Pakistan, Virus, Monkeypox Virus, World Health Organization: A Comprehensive Overview of the Mpox Spread and Measures

The recent emergence of mpox cases in Pakistan and Sweden has raised global concerns, especially after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a public health emergency. The mpox virus, a zoonotic pathogen belonging to the same family as smallpox, has been spreading in African countries since 2022, with a new strain known as clade 1. This strain has been particularly virulent, causing significant outbreaks, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC has been experiencing the largest outbreak since December 2022, with thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths reported. The Africa CDC recently highlighted that mpox cases have been detected in 13 countries, showing a troubling increase in both cases and fatalities.

In Pakistan, the Ministry of National Health confirmed its first mpox case, which has led to increased vigilance and preventive measures across the country. The health authorities are currently working to determine the specific strain of the virus. This case has prompted the Pakistani government to implement stringent screening procedures at all airports and border crossings, including those with Afghanistan, China, India, and Iran. These measures aim to quickly identify and isolate any potential infections to prevent further spread within the country. The WHO has also emphasized the importance of such proactive measures to control the outbreak.

Sweden, on the other hand, confirmed its first case of the clade 1 strain of the mpox virus, linking it directly to the ongoing outbreak in Africa. This development underscores the ease with which the virus can spread through routine contact, including sexual contact. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has raised the risk alert level and advised travelers from affected areas to take necessary precautions. The mpox virus, while primarily affecting humans, can also infect animals, adding another layer of complexity to its containment. The virus can cause severe illness and even death, though it does not have long-term effects on the immune system.

The mpox virus enters the body through broken skin or the respiratory tract, leading to flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches. In more severe cases, it can cause pus-filled lesions on the face, hands, chest, and genitals. The Africa CDC’s chief of staff has noted that while the virus generally causes mild symptoms lasting two to four weeks, it can be more severe in children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The virus can also survive on surfaces, making it easily transmissible through contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials.

One of the major challenges in combating the mpox virus is the lack of a specific treatment. However, a vaccine is available and has proven effective in reducing the risk of infection. Unfortunately, access to this vaccine is limited in poorer African countries, where the outbreak is most severe. The Africa CDC has stressed the importance of personal hygiene and prompt medical attention for anyone exhibiting symptoms. While the vaccine is a crucial tool in stopping the spread, the primary focus should be on controlling the epidemic in Central Africa, where the risk remains highest.

Scientists believe that new outbreaks can be contained relatively quickly if identified early. However, the major risk still lies in Central Africa, where the healthcare infrastructure may not be robust enough to handle large-scale outbreaks. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the importance of swift action and international cooperation in containing such viruses. The WHO has urged countries to enhance surveillance, share data, and work together to understand the transmission dynamics of the mpox virus and provide the necessary tools and vaccines to affected regions.

In response to the confirmed mpox case, Pakistani authorities have ramped up their efforts to prevent the virus from spreading. Malike Mukhtar Ahmed, the Prime Minister’s coordinator on national health, announced at a news conference in Islamabad that scanners have been installed at all airports and border crossings. These measures aim to quickly report any suspected infections and protect the population from the virus. The mpox virus, which spreads through the air and can cause severe respiratory illness, poses a significant threat if not contained promptly. The decision to implement these screenings was made as a precautionary measure, reflecting the government’s serious approach to tackling the issue.

Despite the proactive measures, the location of the confirmed mpox patient in Pakistan remains unknown. The patient, who had recently returned from Saudi Arabia, initially received testing and advice at a hospital in Peshawar. However, he later returned to his home in Mardan and then moved to another district. The patient’s family has also relocated, making contact tracing a challenging task for health authorities. The national health ministry is conducting thorough contact tracing and has increased airport surveillance and monitoring to prevent further spread of the virus.

The WHO’s declaration of the mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern underscores the gravity of the situation. The current outbreak in Congo has resulted in over 27,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths, predominantly among children. Monkeypox, which leads to flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, can be fatal, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The new strain, which emerged in a Congo mining town, has spread to other African countries and now Sweden, causing milder symptoms that make it harder to detect and more likely for people to infect others without knowing.

As the global health community grapples with the mpox outbreak, the importance of vaccination cannot be overstated. Bavarian Nordic’s two-dose vaccine has been authorized for use against monkeypox and is preferred by health officials due to its favorable risk profile. The company has committed to supplying 10 million shots by 2025, with 2 million available by the end of this year. Additionally, there are substantial reserves of Emergent Biosolutions’ smallpox vaccine, which could be utilized in emergencies. Other vaccines, such as those developed by KM Biologics in Japan and Russia, also hold potential, although their availability and willingness to share internationally remain uncertain.

While the risk of a widespread outbreak remains low in most countries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for at-risk groups, including healthcare workers and individuals exposed to someone with monkeypox. The WHO’s highest level of alert for the outbreak in Africa calls for enhanced surveillance, data sharing, and collaborative efforts to contain the virus. By learning from past pandemics and taking swift action, the global community can mitigate the impact of the mpox virus and prevent further spread.

In conclusion, the recent detection of mpox cases in Pakistan and Sweden highlights the need for heightened vigilance and international cooperation. The WHO’s declaration of the outbreak as a public health emergency underscores the severity of the situation. With proactive measures such as airport screenings, contact tracing, and vaccination campaigns, countries can work together to control the spread of the virus. The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic serve as a reminder of the importance of swift action and global solidarity in addressing public health crises. By enhancing surveillance, sharing data, and providing necessary tools and vaccines, the global community can effectively combat the mpox virus and protect vulnerable populations.