
KARACHI: A passenger arriving at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi has displayed symptoms consistent with monkeypox, prompting immediate response from health authorities. The passenger, Shamsheer Ali from Rahim Yar Khan, arrived on a Saudi airline flight from Saudi Arabia and was transferred to Sindh’s Infection Disease Hospital for further observation after symptoms were detected during routine screening.
In response to the potential monkeypox case, the Saudi aircraft was disinfected, and additional precautionary measures were taken at the health immigration counter and conveyor belt area, which were thoroughly sprayed and disinfected. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
Dr. Syed Zafar Mehdi, the focal person at Jinnah Terminal Airport, confirmed that over 20 doctors and paramedical staff from the Sindh Health Department have been deployed at the airport to manage the situation. Separate rooms have been designated for the examination of suspected passengers, with medical teams working around the clock to handle the situation effectively.
Following a confirmed monkeypox case in Pakistan, the Sindh Health Department initiated screening measures at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport in August and issued an advisory to healthcare institutions across the province. The advisory outlines guidelines for detecting and managing monkeypox cases, emphasizing strict infection control measures, including hand hygiene and personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.
In 2023, Pakistan reported 11 monkeypox cases, including one death. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has called on the government to implement immediate and stringent measures to prevent the entry and spread of the virus. The PMA has also stressed the importance of enhancing contact tracing and isolation efforts for suspected cases to control the outbreak.
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