Mpox crisis: Pakistan detects three cases, China to monitor arrivals of people, goods| Top updates

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declaredthat an outbreak ofmpox, a viral infection that spreads through close contact, representeda global health emergency for the second time in two years.

"It's clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a press conference in Geneva on Wednesday (Aug 14).

The WHO's announcement cameafter an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo spread to nearby countries ina more serious type.

Here's a look at the latest updates from the health crisis:

> On Thursday, Sweden confirmed its first case of the viral infection, which was also the first case outside Africa. Addressing a press conference,Olivia Wigzell, director-general at the Swedish Public Health Agency, said that the person wasinfected while staying in a part of Africa where there was a large outbreak of the disease.

> Wigzell said the patientreceived care and instructions in line with the health agency's recommendations."The case is the first caused by Clade I that has been diagnosed outside the African continent. The affected person has also been infected during a stay in an area of Africa where there is a large outbreak ofmpoxClade I," sheadded.

> Pakistan became the latest country to see cases of mpox. On Friday, the health department inKhyber Pakhtunkhwa provincesaid that three people were found infected with the virus.

> The health department said that theviral infection was detected in the patients on their arrival from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Pakistan has had cases ofmpoxpreviously and it was not immediately clear which variant was detected in the patients, Reuters reported.

> Also on Friday, China said it would monitor people and goods entering the country for mpox for the next six months."Personnel from countries with monkeypox outbreaks who have been in contact with monkeypox cases or display symptoms ... should take the initiative to declare themselves to Customs," China's customs administration said in a statement.

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> In 2023, China's National Health Commission had announcedmpoxwould be managed as a Category B infectious disease, enabling officials to take emergency measures such as restricting gatherings, suspending work and school or sealing off areas when there is an outbreak of a disease.

What is mpox andits symptoms?

Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a rare disease similar to smallpox caused by a virus. It’s found mostly in areas of Africa, but has been seen in other regions of the world. It causes flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, and a rash that can take weeks to clear.

The virus has been a public health problem in parts of Africa for decades.The first human case was reported in Congo in 1970, and it has had outbreaks ever since.

Reuters reported that the current outbreak, Congo's worst ever, has seen 27,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths since January 2023, largely among children.

(With inputs from agencies)