ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Health official confirmed on Monday that no further monkeypox cases were detected in the country as all the national and provincial health officials had been advised to remain fully alert for any suspected case of the virus.
NIH Focal Person Dr Muhammad Suleman, in an interview with a private news channel, said that the NIH was strictly monitoring the situation and would keep the public and all stakeholders updated.
He said that all incoming passengers’ screening was being ensured, especially from African nations.
As monkeypox cases were increasing globally, the government has issued a standard operating procedure to do surveillance at the entry points to the country, including all international airports, land border crossings, and seaports, he said.
Dr. Suleiman said that the 2 patients who were under treatment in PIMS hospital are now completely healthy and recovered from the disease, adding there was no need to panic.
Official on virus danger
Replying to a query, he explained that the virus was not much severe like coronavirus and chickenpox.
He said that monkeypox is a zoonotic disease that can transmit from animals to humans and people from infected areas.
The symptoms of monkeypox include intense headache, muscle aches, fever, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, and a skin rash or lesions, he added
