Pakistan confirms first locally transmitted case of mpox in Peshawar

Pakistan has confirmed two new cases of mpox in Peshawar, one of which is the country’s first locally transmitted case, according to a health official.

Last year, Pakistan recorded eight mpox cases, with three reported this year. The disease causes flu-like symptoms and painful, pus-filled lesions. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of severe complications from the infection.

Mpox can spread through close contact, including skin-to-skin touching, cuts, sexual activity, mouth-to-mouth contact, or inhaling infectious respiratory droplets.

The health department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province confirmed two new cases in a married couple. “Both cases have been reported, with the wife being locally infected and the husband having a travel history from a Gulf country,” said Ataullah Khan, a public relations officer for the KP health department.

KP Health Adviser Ihtesham Ali confirmed on Sunday that this was the first locally transmitted mpox case, noting that all previous cases had been linked to international travel.

Dr. Fazal Majeed, the KP Public Health Director, explained that the husband showed no symptoms upon returning to Pakistan but began experiencing them by February 6. He stayed home for nearly two weeks instead of seeking medical attention.

The wife was hospitalized on February 18 after developing a fever, body aches, and rashes on her skin and inside her mouth. The mpox virus was confirmed on February 21. A team has been assigned to monitor the couple's family members, and preventive measures, including home isolation, have been implemented.

Pakistan’s first reported case of mpox in 2025 was also in Peshawar, in January.