Sindh’s mpox cases reach 95 as death toll rises to 11

Sindh has reported two new cases of monkeypox, also known as mpox, taking the province’s total confirmed infections to 95 this year. The virus has claimed

Sindh has reported two new cases of monkeypox, also known as mpox, taking the province’s total confirmed infections to 95 this year. The virus has claimed 11 lives during the same period.

According to a report by Dow University’s provincial public health laboratory, the latest patients are a 21-year-old man, Salman Ali, and a 23-year-old woman, Ishrat Fatima. Both have tested positive for the virus and are receiving treatment at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital.

The latest infections have renewed concerns over the spread of the disease and the need for continued monitoring and preventive measures across the province.

Of the 95 confirmed cases, 71 were men, accounting for around 75 per cent, while 24 were women. People aged between 30 and 39 were the most affected group, with 26 cases. The data also recorded 23 infections among children aged nine or younger.

April saw the highest number of infections, with 31 cases, followed by September with 20 and August with 17. Seven cases were reported in July, six in October so far, five in March, four in June and two in May.

Mpox is a viral disease that can spread through close physical contact with an infected person, including contact with skin lesions and bodily fluids. Transmission may also occur through contaminated objects.

Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, swollen lymph nodes and skin rashes or blisters. Health experts advise people who develop suspected symptoms to seek prompt medical assessment and testing.

Preventive measures include avoiding close contact with infected individuals, maintaining proper hand hygiene and not sharing personal belongings. People experiencing unusual skin lesions, fever or swollen lymph nodes should seek medical advice and limit close contact with others until assessed.