Monkeypox diagnosed patient flees in KP, authorities launch urgent search

PESHAWAR: A patient diagnosed with monkeypox (mpox virus) in Mardan, KP has reportedly escaped, prompting a quick response from health officials who are now scrambling to find him and prevent the possible spread of the infectious disease.

As per the details, the patient, who recently tested positive for the virus in Peshawar after returning from Saudi Arabia, was found missing when health officials went to his home to provide essential health guidelines. On reaching the patient’s residence, the officials found the house locked, and later the district health officer from his hometown confirmed that the patient was not there.

As the situation unfolds, authorities have stepped up their efforts to trace the patient, fearing that his absence could lead to a wider outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has already classified the recent outbreak of a new Mpox strain as a global public health emergency, adding to the urgency of the situation.

Like other countries, cases of monkey pox have been reported in Pakistan amid this global crisis. However, the specific type involved in the current cases within the country has not been identified, raising concerns among health experts.

Monkeypox, a virus related to smallpox, usually causes mild symptoms but can cause severe rashes and sores. The recent outbreak has been particularly troubling, with more than 14,000 cases and more than 500 deaths reported globally, primarily in Congo. The new strain, which is believed to be more contagious and harder to detect, poses a significant threat, particularly among children under 15, who are disproportionately affected in Congo.

The patient’s escape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlights the challenges faced by health authorities in controlling the spread of this highly contagious virus. The search is ongoing as officials work tirelessly to locate the individual and minimize the threat to public health.