Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported its first locally transmitted case of monkeypox (M-Pox), confirmed by Health Advisor Ihtisham Ali. He clarified that all previous cases emerged after individuals returned from foreign travel, but this case involves local transmission.
Details reveal that the affected woman was admitted to the hospital with complaints of fever and body aches, where tests later confirmed monkeypox. The health advisor mentioned that the woman’s husband, who had recently returned from a Gulf country, had also been diagnosed with monkeypox.
Dr. Fazal Majid, Director of Public Health, stated that the woman was admitted to the hospital on February 18, and by February 19, rashes appeared on her body and mouth. Samples were sent to Peshawar's Public Health Reference Laboratory, where the disease was confirmed on February 21.
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The health department has completed screening for the woman’s husband and other close contacts, advising all affected individuals to remain in home isolation. A Rapid Response Team has been formed for further investigation, under the supervision of the Director-General of Health Services, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Dr. Fazal Majid urged the public to remain alert for symptoms of monkeypox and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health center if they notice any suspicious symptoms.