A passenger arriving at Karachi Jinnah International Airport has exhibited symptoms of monkeypox (mpox), according to health officials stationed at the airport.
The individual, identified as Shamsheer Ali from Rahim Yar Khan, was promptly transferred to Sindh’s Infection Disease Hospital for further medical evaluation.
Ali had flown in from Saudi Arabia on a Saudi airline, and his symptoms were detected during routine health screening procedures. In response, health authorities swiftly implemented precautionary measures.
The Saudi aircraft underwent disinfection, and extensive cleaning protocols were carried out at the health immigration counter and luggage conveyor belt area.
Authorities are maintaining a close watch on the situation as part of their ongoing efforts to prevent any potential transmission of the virus.
The Sindh Health Department decided to enhance monitoring at the airport after Pakistan reported its first confirmed monkeypox case earlier this year.
Dr. Syed Zafar Mehdi, a key figure overseeing health operations at Jinnah Terminal, has confirmed that over 20 medical staff, including doctors and paramedics, are stationed at the airport to perform continuous screening.
Separate rooms have also been designated for the examination of suspected cases, with medical teams working around the clock to manage the situation.
Since August, the Sindh health department has been screening passengers for mpox at Jinnah International Airport and issued an advisory to healthcare facilities across the province.
Health officials assess the travel history and symptoms of suspected individuals, collecting samples for PCR testing if needed.
The advisory stresses the importance of strict infection control practices, such as regular hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare professionals.
In 2023, Pakistan recorded 11 mpox cases, including one fatality. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has urged the government to implement stricter measures to prevent the virus’s spread, including enhanced contact tracing and isolation protocols for suspected cases.
