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Karachi Reports First Mpox Case of 2026 in Traveler, Second Death Sparks Concern

Karachi has reported Pakistan's first mpox case of 2026 in a 31-year-old man who returned from abroad and was hospitalized. This comes after Pakistan reported its second mpox-related death in February, involving a patient with no recent travel history, indicating local transmission of the virus. Health officials confirm 53 cases in 2025 and express concern over clear evidence of community spread. The situation highlights the vulnerability of immunocompromised individuals and underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and infection control measures.

Key Points: First 2026 Mpox Case in Karachi, Pakistan Reports Second Death

  • First 2026 mpox case in Karachi
  • Patient was a 31-year-old returning traveler
  • Pakistan reports second mpox-related death in February
  • Latest death had no travel history, signaling local spread
  • 53 confirmed cases were reported in Pakistan in 2025
2 min read

Pakistan's Karachi reports its first case of mpox this year

A traveler to Karachi tests positive for mpox as Pakistan confirms a second death from the virus, raising alarms about local transmission and community spread.

"The absence of travel history in the latest case indicates local transmission, raising the need for surveillance, early detection and measures to control infection. - Health Officials"

Islamabad, March 31

Pakistan's Karachi has reported its first case of mpox in 2026, local media reported on Tuesday citing hospital sources.

A 31-year-old man who returned from abroad was screened at Karachi airport, where his symptoms raised suspicion of infection. He was immediately taken to the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital for further evaluation, Pakistan's leading daily 'The Express Tribune' reported.

The patient was admitted to the hospital, where he underwent medical examination and testing. Medical Superintendent Dr Waheed Rajput said that patient tested positive for mpox. However, he was discharged from the hospital within two days after he showed improvement.

On February 7, Pakistan reported its second death related to mpox, after a 53-year-old man from Faisalabad, who was also suffering from HIV and hepatitis B and C, died while undergoing treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).

According to the hospital and health authorities, the patient was admitted to PIMS with extensive skin and genital lesions consistent with mpox, Pakistan's leading media outlet Geo News reported. However, he died on February 7 while undergoing treatment at PIMS. This marked the second mpox-related death in Pakistan so far.

According to the officials, the patient had no recent travel history, indicating local transmission of mpox in Pakistan. The case has sparked concern among public health experts that the virus is circulating in Pakistan, with clear evidence of community spread.

The latest fatality in Pakistan has been reported after the first mpox-related death was recorded in Islamabad in December 2023, demonstrating the vulnerability of people with weakened immune systems to severe outcomes of the disease.

Officials in Pakistan's federal health ministry and the National Institute of Health said Pakistan reported 53 confirmed mpox cases in 2025, majority of them detected through surveillance at points of entry and hospitals. However, they admitted that the absence of travel history in the latest case indicates local transmission, raising the need for surveillance, early detection and measures to control infection.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The patient was discharged in two days? That seems very quick for mpox. While it's good he recovered, I hope this doesn't mean protocols are being relaxed. Public health should never be compromised for positive headlines.
A
Aman W
The second death with HIV and hepatitis is the real story here. It shows how dangerous it can be for people with existing conditions. Awareness is key. We should learn from this and strengthen our own public health messaging in India.
S
Sarah B
Working in healthcare, I appreciate that they caught this at the airport screening. That's the first line of defense. India's airport screening post-COVID is quite good, hope it's maintained for other threats like mpox.
V
Vikram M
Local transmission means the virus is circulating in the community. With high population density in cities like Karachi (and ours like Mumbai/Delhi), this could spread fast. Our health ministry should monitor this closely. Better safe than sorry.
K
Karthik V
53 cases in 2025 is a significant number. While our focus is often on our own country, diseases don't respect borders. This is a reminder that global health cooperation, even with neighbors, is essential. Hope the affected people recover soon.

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