KARACHI: The tenth case of monkeypox infection has now been reported from Karachi. It is about a 40-year-old male national, who resides in Gulistan-e-Johar, and was tested positive via PCR test. The individual is currently under treatment in isolation ward of NIPA Hospital.
The case in itself is worrisome. But the situation around this case is even more worrisome. It is because this person had not traveled recently anywhere either locally or internationally to any area where this disease was prevalent.
Local Transmission Alters the Level of Risk
Every single case of monkeypox reported in Karachi so far and linked to international travel had a predictable sequence. Trace the source, trace the contacts, quarantine and observe.
A case of monkeypox in Karachi with no travel history completely upsets the above-mentioned sequence. It means that there is an active chain of transmission already present in the local community, with an unknown origin.
Of all ten cases that have been confirmed, seven of those have been treated at NIPA Hospital. Three others were handled at other hospitals around the city. It is clear from this that there has been an infection which has spread out of all specific locations. Tracing back to where this chain originated is imperative.
Monkeypox What it really is
While the monkeypox cases in Karachi are increasing day by day, it is crucial that we have an understanding of the disease and its nature. Monkeypox is an animal-to-human viral disease that can also be spread among people and through contaminated surroundings.
It is important for us to know that the monkeypox virus was discovered in Denmark back in 1958 when scientists were researching on laboratory monkeys. The first recorded case in which a human had the virus was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It happened in a child of nine months.
Smallpox was eradicated from the world in 1980, which became a potential problem by itself. The worldwide programs for smallpox vaccination offered substantial immunity to humans regarding the monkeypox infection. Since the vaccinated generation grew older, while new generations remained susceptible to the monkeypox disease, the infection spread geographically.
This infection reached its peak during the recent years (2022-2023). The 2022-2023 outbreak became one of the biggest outbreaks of the infection, having involved numerous states. In this regard, Pakistan has faced monkeypox disease in the aftermath of the outbreak.
Virus Transmission Mechanism: What Karachi Citizens Should Learn
Transmission is very important because each additional outbreak of monkeypox in Karachi will increase the number of cases. The most likely transmission route involves contact between a healthy individual and someone who is infected with the disease.
Direct contact with the rash and scabs or bodily fluid from such rashes increases the likelihood of transmission. Face-to-face contact leading to respiratory droplets’ transmission is another means of spreading this illness.
The natural animal reservoir for the pathogen is not yet proven by science. Although there are studies showing that small animals like squirrels, rodents, and monkeys are hosts, the exact one responsible has not been identified yet.
A rash is developed after, progressing to different stages until a scab is formed. It is less dangerous among healthy adults but people with weak immune systems such as infants and the elderly can suffer complications.
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NIPA Hospital Shouldering the Burden
NIPA Hospital has now emerged as the front-runner in handling all confirmed monkeypox cases in Karachi that come through formal medical channels. As many as seven confirmed monkeypox patients have been processed by this hospital so far in their isolation ward. Currently, NIPA Hospital ICU setup is functional and there are measures in place to avoid any outbreak of monkeypox inside the hospital.
PCR test has proved to be the confirmatory method for diagnosis – which indeed is good news that at least some form of disease detection system is functional and working. But the problem lies elsewhere – are these ten cases alone the complete story or are there other undiscovered cases of monkeypox circulating around the city?
What Needs To Be Done Right Now
The detection of the tenth case of monkeypox in Karachi, which had been locally acquired without any history of travel, is a clear indication that passively handling these cases is no longer enough.
The contact tracing of the patient from Gulistan-e-Johar should be done immediately, and all the persons who were in contact with him before developing any symptoms should be located, monitored, and tested.
Awareness campaigns are urgently required within the affected community. People from Karachi need to be educated on symptoms, transmission, and how to access medical help centers, without stigma and in clear language.
These ten cases should be viewed as a warning bell for provincial and federal health authorities. They should respond immediately rather than waiting for statistics to build up to a level where some sort of intervention becomes unavoidable.
Nayab Fatima is a university graduate and an emerging media professional with a strong passion for journalism, research, and independent reporting. She specializes in developing well-researched, fact-based, and analytical news stories covering a wide range of sectors, with particular expertise in technology, telecommunications, aviation, and the automobile industry.
