RAWALPINDI: As many as 55 passengers coming from abroad to Rawalpindi division were cleared of Mpox during screening but were isolated in their houses.

These passengers arrived at Islamabad International Airport in a flight on April 24 in which two passengers from Islamabad tested positive for Mpox.

Rawalpindi Division Director Health Dr Anser Ishaq told Dawn that the health authorities of Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Attock and Jhelum screened all the 55 passenegrs who arrived on April 24 and found no symptoms of monkeypox.

However, he said as a precaution, these passengers had been asked to isolate in their houses to avoid chances of spread of disease.

He said the World Health Organisation’s guidelines to deal with suspected patients were being implemented. He said that the incubation period for Mpox is typically 5 to 21 days, with an average of 12 days.

“During this time, an infected person may not show any symptoms but can still spread the virus to others. The infectious period for Mpox begins with the onset of symptoms and can last for up to 4 weeks,” he said.

Monkeypox is primarily spread through close contact with infected animals, such as handling or consuming meat from infected animals, or through close contact with infected people, such as through respiratory droplets or contact with infected person’s body fluids or skin lesions. The rate of transmission can vary depending upon several factors, such as the level of exposure, the severity of the disease, and the effectiveness of infection control measures.

In general, the risk of transmission is higher in settings where there is close and prolonged contact with infected individuals, such as households or healthcare settings. The use of personal protective equipment and good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and disinfection of contaminated surfaces, can help reduce the risk of transmission.

It is important to note that monkeypox is a rare disease, and the risk of transmission outside of endemic areas is low. However, if you have been in close contact with an infected individual or animal or have recently traveled to an endemic area and experience symptoms of monkeypox, it is recommended that you seek medical attention promptly to receive appropriate care and to prevent further spread of the disease.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2023