LAHORE: A patient diagnosed with mpox was placed in isolation at the Nishtar Hospital, Multan, on Thursday after laboratory tests confirmed the infection.

The patient, belonging to the Muzaffargarh district, was admitted to the Nishtar Hospital five days ago and was tested positive for mpox on Thursday. He was suffering from fever and rashes on his body.

A health department official confirmed that the patients were shifted to a designated isolation area at the hospital after testing positive through PCR-based laboratory analysis conducted at a public health reference laboratory in Punjab.

The official said the patient was being monitored by infectious disease specialists, while standard infection prevention and control measures were also being implemented to prevent further spread of the virus within the healthcare facility.

The official also revealed that the patient had recently returned from Dubai.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mpox is a viral disease that usually begins with fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue, followed by a rash that can develop into fluid-filled lesions. Most cases are mild, but early medical care helps prevent complications.

WHO advises that the spread of mpox can be reduced through avoiding close physical contact with anyone who has a rash or symptoms suggestive of mpox, practicing regular hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based sanitisers, not sharing bedding, towels, clothing or personal items with infected individuals, ensuring suspected or confirmed patients isolate until their lesions have healed and seeking prompt medical care if fever, body aches or unexplained rashes develop.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026