The first case of monkeypox this year has been reported from Peshawar. Border Health Services staff at Peshawar Airport identified a suspected case during screening. According to the Ministry of Health spokesperson, the test result for the suspected case came back positive, raising the number of cases to 10 following the health emergency. The patient had traveled from Gulf countries. Health Coordinator Dr. Mukhtar Bharth emphasized that effective measures to protect the public from monkeypox are being ensured. A robust screening system is in place at all airports, and compliance with International Health Regulations is being followed. The federal and provincial governments are committed to handling monkeypox cases.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Advisor Ihtisham Ali confirmed that the first monkeypox case of 2025 was reported at Peshawar Airport. As soon as the case was detected, the public health team reached the airport. The patient, a 35-year-old man traveling from Dubai, was transferred to Police Services Hospital, where samples were sent to the Public Health Reference Lab, confirming the monkeypox case. The Health Advisor mentioned that a letter has been sent to the airport manager requesting details of nearby passengers, and once this information is received, relevant district health officers will be notified for contact tracing.
So far, 10 cases of monkeypox have been reported in the province, with 2 cases in 2023, 7 cases in 2024, and the first case of 2025. The public has been urged to maintain social distancing and remain cautious.
