At least 5 newborn babies lost their lives as 14 cases of the Mpox (Monkeypox virus) have been detected across Sindh this year, the provincial health department officials confirmed.
According to official data, two cases were detected in Karachi and 12 in Khairpur district. All five fatalities were reported from Khairpur, where the victims were newborn babies. The Sindh Health Department has established isolation wards in major and district headquarters hospitals across the province to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure timely treatment of patients.
Provincial Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho confirmed the reported cases and said that monkeypox is a treatable disease, stressing that patients can recover if they seek timely medical care.
She explained that the virus causes rashes on the body, which develop into pus-filled lesions. The infection can spread through skin to skin contact.
Dr. Pechuho urged the public to immediately visit designated isolation wards at major tertiary as well as district headquarters hospitals if any person, especially children, develops such symptoms, including skin rashes and throat irritation. She said suspected patients would be kept in isolation and tested for confirmation of the virus, after which full treatment would be provided if the diagnosis is positive.
She further stated that samples from suspected patients are sent to laboratories at Aga Khan Hospital and Dow University’s Ojha Campus in Karachi, with test results typically available within two days.
The health minister noted that monkeypox does not usually cause fatalities; however, the deaths in Khairpur occurred among newborns with weak immune systems. She expressed regret over the loss of lives.
Reassuring the public, Dr. Pechuho said there is no need to panic, adding that the virus usually subsides within days. She explained that once the skin lesions heal, the virus also disappears. She advised people to isolate themselves until test results are received to prevent transmission to other family members. Suspected patients may be required to stay in hospital for at least one day for testing, although individuals can also get tested privately.
Special wards have been set up in major hospitals and the district headquarters hospitals across the province, where patients are being provided complete medical care. Patients testing negative will be allowed to return home, while confirmed cases will remain in isolation until recovery, she added.