Mpox Patient Escapes PIMS, Found at Home in Attock
Islamabad, Pakistan: A 42-year-old man, recently returned from a Gulf country and diagnosed with Mpox, slipped away from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and was later traced to his home in Attock.
The patient has now been admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital, Hazro, where health officials are monitoring his condition.
Family and Contact Precautions
Since the patient spent time at his home, all family members are under observation. Authorities have also conducted contact tracing for airline passengers and crew who were in close proximity to him.
Health Official Statement
Dr. Mumtaz Ali Khan, Chief of the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) at the National Institute of Health (NIH), confirmed that the patient tested positive for Mpox.
According to officials, the patient was isolated at the airport after showing symptoms on August 15 and later shifted to PIMS. While arrangements were being made to move him to an isolation ward, he managed to escape. Authorities quickly traced his address in Attock and directed health teams to isolate him and send his sample to NIH for testing.
Patient Background
The patient worked as a laborer in the Gulf country and had previously been tested for Mpox there.
About Mpox
Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus. It spreads through close contact and can cause flu-like symptoms along with pus-filled skin lesions. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a global health emergency in July 2022.
The virus can be transmitted through:
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Contact with infected animals or humans
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Contaminated clothing or linens
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Broken skin, respiratory droplets, or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth)
Treatment and Isolation
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Mpox. Care is mostly supportive, including:
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Antipyretics for fever
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Analgesics for pain
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Fluids to maintain hydration
Patients should be isolated in a single room with a private bathroom, and healthcare workers must use personal protective equipment (PPE).
Global Context
The Mpox virus was first discovered in Denmark in 1958 in monkeys, with the first human case reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cases have since been reported across Central and West Africa.
NIH Advisory
The NIH has issued public guidelines to raise awareness and prevent the spread of Mpox. Authorities urge citizens to follow safety precautions, remain vigilant, and report any symptoms promptly.
