The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Health Department has recently faced a new health challenge with the emergence of monkeypox (mpox), a zoonotic viral disease that has gained attention worldwide. Although mpox is less contagious and milder than smallpox, the virus has caused concern due to its resurgence in several countries, including Pakistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), which had earlier reported a few isolated cases, has confirmed that all patients have recovered. However, this has prompted the health department to strengthen preventive measures, emphasizing public awareness and monitoring at entry points to control further spread.
Understanding Monkeypox:
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses that cause smallpox. It was first identified in 1958 when outbreaks occurred in laboratory monkeys, hence its name. Though it shares some symptoms with smallpox, mpox is less deadly and typically causes less severe illness. Most patients recover within two to four weeks without the need for intensive treatment. Despite this, mpox has the potential to cause complications, especially in people with weakened immune systems, children, and pregnant women.
The virus spreads primarily through direct contact with the rash or lesions of an infected person, making skin-to-skin transmission the most common route. However, it can also be spread through contaminated surfaces, clothing, or bedding. Unlike respiratory viruses like COVID-19, mpox is not as easily transmissible through the air, which somewhat limits its spread. Nonetheless, the virus’s ability to linger on surfaces and spread through personal contact has made it a global health concern.
Monkeypox in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province that has previously dealt with various public health challenges, saw its first mpox case earlier this year. The first patient, a resident of Mardan, had returned from Saudi Arabia before testing positive. Following this, the health department identified additional cases, and all patients were quickly isolated either at the Services Hospital or at their homes. Fortunately, after receiving timely care and treatment, four patients in K-P have fully recovered. However, on 11 September 2024, KP’s health minister announced that an individual who had arrived from a Gulf country through Islamabad Airport without undergoing screening had been diagnosed with mpox.
Director of Public Health, Dr. Irshad Ali, said that KP Health Department has continued its vigilance by screening passengers at key entry points, including the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar and the Torkham border. These measures have helped detect potential cases before they enter local communities, ensuring that any risk of transmission is minimized.
Global Context of the Mpox Outbreak
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern after the virus began spreading outside of Africa, where it was endemic. The recent outbreak has raised global alarms due to the identification of a new variant that appears to spread more easily through routine close contact. In countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the virus has long been present, mpox has caused over 1,100 deaths this year alone, mostly among children and immunocompromised individuals.
While the global number of cases has been rising, WHO has advised against imposing travel restrictions. However, they stress the importance of surveillance, monitoring, and vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas. Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic, the maker of a smallpox vaccine that also protects against mpox, has been seeking approval to use the vaccine in children and adolescents, a group disproportionately affected by the virus in Africa.
Preventive Measures for Monkeypox in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
KP Health Department has advised the public to take several preventive measures to protect themselves from mpox, especially as the virus can be easily transmitted through close personal contact. These measures include:
Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from individuals showing symptoms of mpox, particularly those with visible rashes, pimples, or scabs. The virus can spread through direct contact with these lesions.
Do Not Share Personal Items: Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, or bedding with someone who may be infected. These items can carry the virus even if the infected person is not present.
Maintain Good Hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after touching surfaces that may have been contaminated. If soap is unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Monitor Symptoms: If you have been in contact with someone who has mpox or have recently traveled to areas where outbreaks have been reported, closely monitor your health for symptoms like fever, chills, muscle aches, and rashes. Seek medical attention if these symptoms appear.
Isolate if Infected: Anyone who suspects they have contracted mpox should isolate themselves immediately and contact a healthcare provider for advice. Isolation is key to preventing the spread of the virus within households and communities.
Vaccination and Treatment
While most cases of mpox resolve on their own without medication, vaccination can help prevent infection or reduce the severity of the disease. The mpox vaccine is available and administered in two doses, spaced 28 days apart. Although vaccination is typically recommended for high-risk individuals, such as those identified through contact tracing or those living in areas with outbreaks, it can also be given after exposure to reduce the risk of severe illness.
For those who contract the virus, certain treatments initially developed for smallpox have shown effectiveness in treating mpox. However, most patients will recover without the need for these treatments, as seen in the recent cases in K-P.
The Role of Public Awareness and Healthcare Workers Dr. Irshad Roghani, Director of Public Health, has highlighted the importance of public awareness in preventing the spread of mpox. The efforts of healthcare workers, coupled with the support of local religious leaders, played a significant role in educating the public about the risks of mpox and how to avoid infection. Dr. Roghani emphasized that without strong surveillance and public cooperation, the virus could have spread further within communities, making it much harder to control.
Looking ahead, the KP Health Department plans to continue its screening efforts and ensure that all healthcare facilities are prepared to handle any future cases. While the situation in KP is currently under control, the global nature of the mpox outbreak means that vigilance is still required.
With the right preventive measures, timely healthcare interventions, and public awareness, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can protect themselves from mpox and help prevent a larger outbreak in the future.
Monkeypox: A New Health Challenge for KP
