LAHORE: At least 21 cases of monkeypox have been reported at Mayo Hospital in Lahore over the past six months, raising concern among health authorities and the public, according to the sources. The cases highlight the continued presence of the viral disease in the city, even though none of the affected patients have a history of recent foreign travel.
Hospital authorities confirmed that nine monkeypox patients are currently under treatment at Mayo Hospital. An isolation ward has been established at the hospital to ensure proper care of infected individuals and to prevent further transmission of the virus within healthcare facilities and the wider community.
Officials said that samples from three additional suspected monkeypox patients have been sent to the Health Department for laboratory testing. Reports also indicate that three deaths linked to monkeypox have occurred in Lahore, underscoring the seriousness of the situation and the need for timely diagnosis and treatment.
According to hospital data, most of the confirmed cases involve individuals between the ages of 20 and 45. Health officials also revealed that a nurse and two paramedical staff members working at Mayo Hospital have contracted the virus, highlighting the occupational risks faced by frontline healthcare workers. In addition, two children are among the confirmed monkeypox cases, raising concerns about household and community-level transmission.
Medical experts explained that monkeypox, also known as mpox, is a viral disease caused by the Mpox virus. While the exact natural reservoir of the virus has not been definitively identified, African rodents and non-human primates, including monkeys, are believed to be potential carriers that can transmit the virus to humans.
The disease commonly begins with symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. A distinctive rash typically appears one to three days after the onset of fever. The rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, progressing through several stages before eventually forming scabs and healing.
Health professionals note that the incubation period for monkeypox generally ranges from 7 to 14 days, though it can be as short as 5 days or as long as 21 days. In most cases, the illness lasts between two and four weeks, and many patients recover fully with appropriate medical care and isolation.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever or unexplained rashes develop. They have also stressed the importance of early reporting and isolation to limit the spread of the virus, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Lahore.
The Health Department continues to monitor the situation closely and has assured that necessary measures are being taken to manage cases, protect healthcare workers, and raise public awareness about monkeypox prevention and treatment.
