Little to worry about, but Pakistan remains alert

For the second time in two years, the World Health Organisation has declared a global emergency over the rapidly spreading mpox outbreak. Just two days after this latest alert was issued, Pakistan's health ministry confirmed the country's first mpox case in a returning traveler from a Gulf country. In response, both federal and provincial governments have swiftly implemented checks at all points of entry across the country. According to details gathered by the Express Tribune, major airports are now screening all international passengers entering Pakistan. Dr. Faisal Mahmood, Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), noted that mpox is less contagious than recent outbreaks such as Covid-19. "Unlike the coronavirus, mpox isn't as widely spread or as contagious," he said. "When the WHO raised the threat level in 2022, Pakistan only saw a handful of cases, and we expect a similar situation this time. Most cases will likely come from returning travelers, with some potential for limited local transmission. Overall, there is little reason for the general public to be alarmed," Mahmood explained.