Pakistan has confirmed one case of the mpox virus, with genetic sequencing underway to determine if it is the same deadly Clade 1 variant found in Sweden. The variant, which spreads easily and is linked to a surge in Africa, marks the first infection outside the continent. The WHO declared a public health emergency over Clade 1 in Africa due to the increasing cases and deaths, urging governments to release funding for research and health systems. While advising against travel restrictions, the organisation warned of the likelihood of further cases in Europe. Pakistan has tightened surveillance at border crossings and airports to detect symptoms in returning passengers.
The disease caused by the virus presents flu-like symptoms, pus-filled lesions, and muscular pain, with children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems at higher risk. China plans to screen people and goods for mpox, while Danish drugmaker Bavarian Nordic is prepared to produce millions of doses of its vaccine and is seeking approval for use in children. As the global concern over the virus intensifies, the focus is on containing its spread and developing effective prevention and treatment measures. The interconnectedness of the world underscores the need for international cooperation and swift action to combat the threat posed by this deadly virus.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
