KARACHI: The Sindh Health Department has confirmed a case of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in a 20-year-old resident of Karachi, prompting authorities to issue a public health alert and initiate precautionary measures to prevent further spread.
According to an official statement issued on April 9, 2026, the affected individual, a resident of Buffer Zone in Karachi Central district, developed symptoms including high fever, headache, and skin lesions on April 2. The diagnosis was confirmed on April 8 through a PCR test conducted at the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) laboratory.
The patient has been shifted to the isolation ward at the Sindh Institute of Infectious Diseases (SIID), where his condition is reported to be stable. Health officials stated that strict infection prevention and control protocols are being followed to contain the virus.
On the directives of Provincial Director Dr. Asif Syed, a special investigation team has been constituted under the supervision of focal person Dr. Shankar to trace and monitor potential contacts. Immediate family members, including the patient’s parents and a cousin, have been identified and placed under close observation. So far, no symptoms have been reported among them.
The health department has instructed all medical staff to strictly adhere to international standard operating procedures (SOPs) for infection control. Authorities have also urged the public to remain calm and adopt precautionary measures.
Citizens experiencing symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, or unusual skin rashes or blisters have been advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest government healthcare facility.
The Sindh government has assured that the situation is being closely monitored and all necessary resources are being utilized to prevent the spread of the virus.
