Karachi mpox alert grows after second case reported in two days
A 35-year-old man from Shah Faisal Colony was brought to the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital after developing rashes across his body.
Doctors suspected mpox after examining his symptoms and ordered a test to confirm the infection.
The patient’s PCR test later came back positive, confirming that he had contracted the viral disease.
The patient is now receiving treatment at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital, according to the Sindh health department.
The latest case has drawn attention because it is the second mpox infection reported in Karachi within two days.
Karachi cases continue to increase
With the latest infection, Karachi has recorded 15 confirmed mpox cases during 2026.
Sindh’s overall number has now reached 43, showing that the disease continues to be detected in different parts of the province.
Health officials had reported 41 cases in Sindh by September 4. At that time, a 19-year-old man was confirmed to have the infection after developing rashes.
The young patient was also taken to the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital, where doctors carried out testing after observing symptoms linked to mpox.
His PCR test also returned positive, confirming the infection.
The latest development means two additional cases have been recorded in Sindh since the earlier tally of 41 was reported.
Health authorities are continuing to monitor suspected infections and are advising people to remain careful about close contact with infected individuals.
What is known about mpox
Mpox is a viral disease that can spread through close physical contact with an infected person.
The virus may also spread through contaminated materials, including bedding, clothing and other items that have been in contact with an infected person.
Health experts say symptoms can vary from person to person, but several signs are commonly associated with the infection.
These may include fever, chills, tiredness, headache and muscle weakness.
A painful or itchy rash can also appear, with raised skin lesions developing during the illness.
Because some symptoms can resemble other viral infections, doctors may use laboratory testing to confirm whether a person has mpox.
In the latest Karachi case, the PCR test provided confirmation after the patient developed visible rashes.
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Concern over clade 1b variant
The mpox situation has received additional attention in Pakistan because health authorities confirmed the presence of the clade 1b variant in Sindh and southern Punjab in April.
The variant is considered more transmissible and may cause more serious illness than some other mpox strains.
Its detection has increased the importance of early identification and proper medical care for suspected cases.
However, the presence of the variant does not mean every infected person will develop severe symptoms.
Health authorities continue to rely on testing, medical monitoring and preventive measures to control the spread of the virus.
People who develop unusual rashes or other possible symptoms are advised to seek medical advice instead of ignoring the signs.
Mpox situation in Pakistan
Pakistan recorded its first confirmed mpox case in April 2023.
The infection was detected in a traveller who arrived in Pakistan from Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of officially confirmed mpox cases in the country.
Since then, health authorities have continued monitoring travellers and suspected infections.
The World Health Organisation declared the international spread of mpox a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024.
That decision highlighted the need for countries to improve surveillance, testing and access to treatment.
Pakistan has also continued monitoring different variants as health departments report new infections.
The latest figures from Sindh show that mpox remains a health concern, particularly as Karachi has recorded two cases within a short period.
