NIH advisory on new mpox strain amid global health alert

ISLAMABAD: National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory concerning the mpox virus after the emergence of a new strain, Clade I, raised global concerns.

The NIH advisory urges health authorities, healthcare providers, and public health organizations to enhance surveillance, improve diagnostic capabilities, and adopt robust preventive measures to curb the spread of mpox.

On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), signaling the highest level of alert.

In response, the NIH released detailed guidelines for the prevention and detection of mpox. Pakistan recently confirmed that a suspected case of mpox tested negative, demonstrating the effectiveness of current health measures.

The WHO emphasized that while vigilance is necessary, the new mpox strain is not comparable to Covid-19 and does not warrant undue panic, adding that with international cooperation and rigorous preventive actions, the situation is expected to remain manageable.

Since the first detection of mpox in Pakistan in April 2023, the country has reported 11 confirmed cases and one death. The advisory stresses the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation in managing the virus.