What Happened: KP’s health minister criticized Islamabad airport’s screening for missing an mpox case, urging the federal government to improve monitoring to prevent further spread.
What you need to know: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s health minister has raised concerns about the screening effectiveness at Islamabad airport following the province’s confirmation of its fifth mpox case. The patient, a 33-year-old laborer who arrived at the airport on September 7, showed symptoms but was missed by the screening process, according to KP Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah.
What more: The minister has called on the federal government to enhance monitoring to prevent the spread of the zoonotic infection. He criticized the lack of adequate screening at Islamabad airport, stressing that such oversights could endanger public health. The patient, who had skin lesions, fatigue, and rashes, sought medical help at Khyber Teaching Hospital in Peshawar the day after arrival and was quarantined once mpox was confirmed.
Also: Minister Shah highlighted that despite the efficient screening in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the federal capital’s oversight raised serious concerns. He emphasized that the federal authorities must address these gaps to safeguard public health.
Additionally: The latest case has been quarantined in Lower Dir and is under supervision. KP’s health officials have strengthened surveillance and are coordinating with airport staff to ensure thorough screening of contacts to prevent further spread. The patient’s condition is improving, and his family has been educated on infection prevention.