Pakistan reports second Mpox-linked death as concerns over local spread grow
Pakistan confirmed a second mpox-related death in Faisalabad, with officials warning of possible local transmission and urging stronger surveillance, early detection
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Pakistan has reported its second death linked to mpox, after a 53-year-old man from Faisalabad died during treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), health officials said.
According to hospital sources, the patient was admitted with widespread skin and genital lesions consistent with mpox and passed away on February 7 while under medical care. He had no recent travel history, pointing to local transmission of the virus.
Doctors said the man was living with HIV and was also infected with hepatitis B and C. His immune system was severely weakened, with a very low CD4 count, making him highly vulnerable to complications. He had begun antiretroviral therapy only months earlier.
Health officials noted that the patient had been experiencing symptoms for nearly one month before hospital admission. Despite treatment, his condition worsened due to advanced immunosuppression and underlying illnesses.
The death follows Pakistan’s first mpox-related fatality reported in Islamabad in December 2023. Authorities said both fatalities involved patients with serious co-morbidities, especially HIV.
Officials added that 53 mpox cases were confirmed last year, mostly detected through surveillance at entry points and hospitals. However, the absence of travel history in the latest case has raised alarms about community spread.
Contact tracing is underway, while health experts have urged early testing, isolation, and awareness among clinicians, particularly for patients presenting with unexplained rashes or genital lesions.
