Mpox Outbreak Sparks Urgent Public Health Call in Pakistan

An alarming mpox outbreak in Khairpur, where seven newborn babies contracted the viral infection and four tragically died, has triggered urgent calls for action from experts at Aga Khan University Hospital. These experts are emphasizing the need for healthcare providers and policymakers to recognize mpox as an immediate public health concern.

The situation is compounded by suspected local transmission in Karachi, indicating that cases are no longer solely imported. One of two confirmed cases in Karachi this year may represent local spread, while the Khairpur outbreak suggests the virus has infiltrated healthcare settings. This highlights significant weaknesses in infection prevention and control, particularly outside major metropolitan areas.

Experts stress that awareness and early action are crucial for containment. Mpox, spread through close skin-to-skin contact and contaminated materials, can also transmit from mother to child. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash. While most healthy individuals recover within weeks, newborns, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals face higher risks.

Healthcare facilities are strongly urged to bolster infection prevention measures promptly, especially in neonatal and maternity wards. Anyone exhibiting mpox symptoms should isolate immediately and seek medical attention. Those with known exposure should monitor for symptoms for 21 days. The Sindh health department reported initial concerns about unusual skin issues in Khairpur children on March 14, with lab reports confirming mpox cases on April 4, 2026.