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Pakistan’s fight against measles intensified as Peshawar reported its fourth case of the disease this year, raising fears that the city could become a hub for patients in the Gulf region.
The latest patient is a 47-year-old man who was quarantined by border health services officers on August 29 after returning from the Gulf region and subsequently tested positive.
Federal Director General of Health Dr Shabana Saleem said: “This is the fifth case of vaccinia reported in Pakistan this year and the fourth since the World Health Organization declared vaccinia a global health emergency.”
She noted that the renewed outbreak of the virus in Peshawar was a serious concern and urged immediate action to prevent further spread of the virus.
Dr Salem stressed the importance of remaining vigilant, particularly among travellers from the Gulf region, with Saudi Arabia listed as a potential exposure point.
In response, authorities have tightened screening rules at airports across the country.
Dr. Salim said: “Peshawar seems to be becoming a hub for cowpox cases,” a trend he described as worrying and stressed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health.
Federal and provincial health officials are coordinating efforts to contain the virus, working around the clock to ensure prevention measures are effective and ready to respond to any developments.
No cases of local transmission have been found so far.
The Ministry of Health has set up a coordinated surveillance and response system to deal with the virus. Isolation wards have been set up in all districts and rapid response teams have been set up in district health offices.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health department reported that 20,901 people have been screened at the Bacha Khan International Airport and 21,040 at the Torkham border crossing point.
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