Second death was reported in Pakistan related to money-pox disease as HIV and Hepatitis B, C patient from Faisalabad passed away during treatment at PIMS Islamabad, evidence of local transmission has emerged in the case, reported 24NewsDH TV Channel.
According to hospital administration and Ministry of Health sources, the patient had been suffering from severe rashes and wounds to his private parts for a month, after which he was transferred to PIMS, where he died on Saturday. Officials say the patient had no recent foreign travel history, which has further raised concerns about local transmission of mpox in the country.
According to medical experts, the patient's immune system was extremely weak and his CD4 count was at a very low level, which caused him to suffer severe complications of the disease. It has been reported that the patient had started antiretroviral treatment a few months ago.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Health, 53 confirmed cases of mpox were reported in Pakistan last year, most of which were identified through internal surveillance and hospitals. According to sources, the lack of travel history in the recent case provides evidence of community spread of the virus.
Health experts say that mpox spreads through close physical contact and the disease can be more dangerous in people with weakened immune systems. According to authorities, tracing of the infected patient's contacts is ongoing, while doctors have been instructed to keep Mpox in mind in case of unusual rashes or genital sores.