Recent Mpox cases reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have raised concerns over signs of local transmission, suggesting the virus may no longer be limited to infections linked to international travel.
Since August 2024, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recorded 28 confirmed Mpox cases, including eight reported in 2026 and one death.
The latest confirmed case, reported on April 16, involved a one-and-a-half-month-old infant and was considered locally transmitted, raising concerns about possible household or community-level spread.
Earlier cases in the province were mostly associated with travel from Gulf countries. However, more recent infections have appeared in individuals with no clear travel history, while the source of infection in some cases could not be identified.
The situation has also raised concerns in Sindh and Punjab. Sindh had recorded 25 confirmed Mpox cases and nine deaths by mid-April, with Khairpur emerging as the main hotspot. Punjab has also reported dozens of confirmed cases in 2026, including several infections in Lahore.
The report noted that Pakistan may now be facing both imported infections and local spread after the virus enters households or close-contact settings. The National Institute of Health (NIH), provincial health departments, and international partners have strengthened screening, surveillance, and training measures to improve preparedness and outbreak response.
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