Medical professionals at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) are calling for urgent action from policymakers and health officials following a concerning rise in mpox cases within the Khairpur district. This appeal comes after the Sindh health department verified seven cases among newborns, tragically resulting in four deaths.
Shift in Transmission Patterns
While Pakistan saw 53 cases of mpox in 2025 the majority of which were linked to international travel experts note a shift in the virus’s behavior this year. The AKUH roundtable highlighted that the current outbreak suggests local transmission is now occurring within the country.
The presence of the virus in Khairpur, specifically within a clinical setting, indicates that mpox has moved beyond urban centers and exposed significant weaknesses in infection control protocols in smaller districts.
Key Insights from Health Experts
- Early Intervention: Dr. Faisal Mahmood, Professor of Infectious Diseases at AKUH, stressed that rapid detection and public awareness are vital to preventing a larger epidemic.
- Clinical Vulnerability: Dr. Fatima Mir, Professor of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, noted that one child from Khairpur is currently receiving treatment at AKUH and is in stable condition.
- Risk Factors: While most healthy individuals recover in under a month, the virus poses a severe threat to newborns, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Understanding Mpox: Transmission and Symptoms
Mpox is a zoonotic viral infection that is primarily spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact or touching contaminated items like linens and clothes. It can also be transmitted via respiratory droplets during close interaction or from a mother to her child during childbirth.
Immediate Recommendations
Experts urge anyone exhibiting symptoms to isolate at once and seek medical advice. Furthermore, healthcare facilities particularly those specializing in neonatal and maternal care must immediately strengthen their infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to stop the virus from spreading within hospital wards.
The initial reports of “unusual skin lesions” in Khairpur first surfaced in mid-March, underscoring the need for faster diagnostic responses in rural regions to prevent future fatalities.
