Pakistan, First cases of Mpox reported in AJK

The Health Department of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan, has issued a press release confirming the first two cases of Mpox in the southernmost district of Bhimber. The residency status of the infected individuals and whether they had recently traveled internationally remains undetermined. Following confirmation of the virus, emergency protocols were activated in the affected region. These protocols include the implementation of a lockdown to limit transmission, patient isolation, and the tracing of contacts. Furthermore, health authorities have established a dedicated quarantine ward at the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital for the treatment and care of infected patients. These cases represent the third and fourth instances of Mpox reported in Pakistan this year, with previous detections in Peshawar and Karachi.