Two cases of monkeypox have been detected in Islamabad, originating from Saudi Arabia, according to officials who confirmed the development on Tuesday. The identity of the victims has been kept confidential, and samples were sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad, which confirmed the presence of the virus. Following the detection of the virus, hospitals in Sindh have been advised to take proactive steps for the management of suspected or confirmed cases. An advisory issued by Directorate General Health Services Sindh stated that the hospital administration is required to establish a designated separate area with five to 10 rooms for isolation of monkeypox cases within 24 hours. The area should include appropriate infection control measures, such as negative pressure, hand hygiene facilities, and personal protective equipment to provide safe and effective care for patients. It also said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported cases of monkeypox in 110 member states across all six WHO regions since January 2022. "As of April 25, 2023, there have been 87,113 laboratory-confirmed cases and 130 deaths reported to WHO." Read more: Govt takes step to prevent monkeypox outbreak The public has been urged to be vigilant for the detection of any suspected cases and ensure preparedness to launch response activities for curtailing the transmission of monkeypox disease in Sindh, it added. Monkeypox is a rare disease that is similar to smallpox and can be fatal. The disease was first discovered in 1958 when outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research. The virus can be transmitted to humans from animals such as rodents and primates, and human-to-human transmission can also occur through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or respiratory droplets. Symptoms of monkeypox include acute illness with fever >38.3⁰C (101⁰F), intense headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, myalgia and intense asthenia followed one to three days later by a progressively developing rash often beginning on the face (most dense) and then spreading elsewhere on the body, including soles of feet and palms of hands, and travel history of epidemic countries where monkey cases are reported. The authorities are advising the public to seek medical attention immediately if they develop these symptoms and have a travel history to affected areas. "The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops," it further said.
from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/ADkgPyi
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