Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has mandated the strengthening of monkeypox monitoring and control measures at airports, seaports, and land borders across Pakistan following recent virus detections in the country
While meeting with high-ranking officials, Sharif ordered the Border Health Services to increase its monitoring capabilities and stressed the need for thorough screening procedures at all entrance sites. The move is in reaction to the monkeypox virus being labeled a worldwide health emergency by the World Health Organization.
During the briefing, authorities verified that a tourist from Mardan who returned to the United States of America tested positive for monkeypox and is now in quarantine.
PM Sharif stressed monitoring notwithstanding the patient’s stability
Furthermore, the Punjab Health Department has directed airports to create isolation rooms and implement standards for managing suspected patients.
At the airport in Karachi, the Sindh Health Department is taking similar safety measures.
Despite the lack of reports of local transmission, the government is moving quickly to prepare for any cases by assigning certain hospitals to handle them in different locations.
Officials are advising the public to be vigilant, but they have reassured that they are taking meticulous measures to avoid a widespread occurrence.