Sukkur division placed on alert over suspected mpox cases

SUKKUR: Authorities in Sukkur division have placed all three districts of the division on alert over illnesses showing symptoms similar to measles after fears linked to suspected mpox cases emerged in the region.

Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi on Monday established control rooms in Sukkur, Khairpur and Ghotki districts and also shared helpline numbers with the public.

The commissioner’s office and local health authorities advised residents to immediately contact the designated numbers if children or adults develop symptoms including blisters on the body or face, swollen lymph nodes, headache and body pain.

Under the instructions issued, patients showing these symptoms are to be isolated without delay and the cases are to be reported to health authorities. People have also been told to keep their distance from infected individuals and from suspected cases of measles and mpox.

Family members looking after sick relatives have been directed to observe safety measures during contact, including the use of masks and gloves. Authorities also advised that household items used by infected persons should be disinfected before being used again by other family members.

Deaths reported in Thari Mirwah

The development follows reports that seven newborns died in the Thari Mirwah area of Khairpur district after developing symptoms described as typical of mpox.

At least seven children are feared to have died because of monkeypox in the Sukkur division, prompting the wider alert across the division’s districts.

Health department seeks urgent testing support

The Sindh Health Department on April 2 asked the Aga Khan University Lab to assist in diagnosing blood samples from suspected mpox cases on a priority basis.

However, the government has not yet made public the test reports of the suspected patients.

The alert measures announced in Sukkur division focus on early reporting, isolation of suspected patients and precautionary steps within households where symptoms have appeared. The guidance issued by the commissioner’s office and health authorities specifically covers both children and adults and urges the public to remain vigilant for visible blisters, swelling of lymph nodes, headaches and body pain.

The establishment of control rooms in Sukkur, Khairpur and Ghotki is part of the official response now in place as authorities monitor the situation in the division.