The first confirmed case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) has been detected in Lahore, health officials announced on Thursday. The individual, 48-year-old Rehmat Ali, a resident of the Cantt area of Lahore and originally from Kot Radha Kishan, Kasur, was admitted to Lahore General Hospital on September 16 with strong symptoms consistent with mpox.
Initially classed as a suspected case, his diagnosis was later confirmed via testing at the provincial public health reference laboratory.
Hospital authorities say Rehmat Ali has been placed in isolation and is receiving treatment under strict medical supervision. Local health teams have also begun contact tracing and inspection of his residence and surrounding areas to assess potential spread.
Interestingly, the patient has no travel history or recent contact with animals known to carry the virus, though he had undergone a liver transplant back in 2021, which may have compromised his immune system.
What is Mpox and how does it present?
Mpox is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), part of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It is similar in some ways to the smallpox virus, though generally less severe. Human cases have historically been reported in parts of West and Central Africa, but recent outbreaks have occurred globally.
The incubation period—that is, time between exposure and first symptoms—is usually between 5 and 21 days, though in many cases symptoms begin around 7 to 14 days after exposure.
Early symptoms often mimic flu-like illnesses: fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), and generally feeling unwell.
After a few days, a rash typically develops. The rash can pass through several stages: from flat or slightly raised discolored patches (macules), to raised bumps (papules), then to fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), followed by pus-filled bumps (pustules), which eventually crust over and fall off. The rash often starts on the face, hands, or extremities, but recent cases have shown lesions in other places including genital areas.
Other possible symptoms include sore throat, mouth ulcers, swollen eyelids or conjunctivitis, and in some rare cases, complications can arise—especially in immunocompromised individuals. Neurological complications like encephalitis (brain inflammation) have been observed in a small number of patients.
Most mpox infections are self-limiting, lasting 2 to 4 weeks from the rash onset to full healing. Treatment is generally supportive: managing fever, pain, and preventing secondary bacterial infections. Antiviral drugs (such as tecovirimat) and newer vaccines have been used in some countries, though availability may be limited.
Implications & Public Health Response in Lahore
This confirmed case raises concern in Pakistan because mpox has not been prevalent there until very recently. The lack of an obvious source (no travel or animal contact) suggests possible community transmission or a case with weak immune defenses turning latent. The patient’s history of liver transplant may have left his immune system more susceptible.
Local authorities have reportedly activated public health teams to survey the patient’s area, monitor contacts, and educate the public about symptoms and preventive measures. Given mpox spreads through close contact, including direct contact with lesions, bodily fluids, shared items (clothing, bedding), respiratory droplets (especially with prolonged face-to-face contact), and possibly via sexual contact, containment is challenging but vital.
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Healthcare facilities are being urged to enhance surveillance, ensure rapid diagnostic capacity (PCR or equivalent lab tests), isolate suspected cases quickly, and provide supportive treatment. Public awareness campaigns are also important so people can recognise early signs and avoid behaviors that increase transmission risk.
