Suspected mpox patient in Islamabad tests negative

E-Paper | March 15, 2026

Listen to article

ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed on Tuesday that a suspected case of mpox has tested negative.

“The development confirms that Pakistan has reported only one case since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern,” Sajid Shah, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Services, told Dawn.

The suspected case was identified on Monday by Border Health Services (BHS) at Islamabad Airport.

“The 47-year-old suspect, who arrived from a Gulf country, was shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) and admitted to the isolation ward. His sample was sent to the NIH for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test,” Pims focal person for mpox Dr Naseem Akhtar earlier told Dawn.

She added that contact tracing would be initiated if the patient tested positive for mpox, previously known as monkeypox.

Mr Shah said that the individual was a resident of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

“So far, only one case of mpox has been reported in Pakistan. The Ministry of Health is continuously monitoring the situation and effective measures are being taken to protect the public from mpox,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2024

Pakistan

Ikram Junaidi is a staff correspondent for Dawn with over 25 years of experience. He covers national politics, particularly opposition parties, as well as public health issues.

Mpox ‘not the new Covid’: WHO

Another suspected mpox case sent to Pims; new strain not detected

Minister inspects mpox screening at airport

Branded Content

Chery Master Pakistan expands nationwide 3S dealership network: 10 operational, 20 planned by 2027

The nationwide dealership network includes 8 dealerships across six major cities, with two additional dealerships launching in the coming month, expanding the network to 10 dealerships nationwide.

Cardiogen and the molecular language of cardiac renewal: A speculative exploration

This article explores Cardiogen’s molecular characteristics, theorised mechanisms of action and its possible relevance across multiple research domains.

Master MoltyFoam’s Women’s Day initiative supports the next generation of female athletes

This year, Master MoltyFoam used the occasion to highlight the importance of support in sports by launching an initiative focused on encouraging young female athletes in Pakistan.