Karachi has confirmed its second monkeypox case this year, involving a 22-year-old resident from the Buffer Zone area. The patient has been diagnosed with the monkeypox virus and is currently receiving treatment at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital.
Dr. Waheed Rajput, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, noted that the patient is displaying all typical symptoms of monkeypox and has no history of recent travel. This case follows the first reported infection in the city earlier in January 2024.
Monkeypox is a viral illness caused by the Mpox virus. While the natural host remains unclear, it is believed that African rodents and non-human primates, such as monkeys, may carry and transmit the virus to humans. The disease usually begins with a fever, followed within one to three days by a rash that initially appears on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.
The rash evolves through several stages including macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs. Other common symptoms include headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period typically lasts between 7 and 14 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. The illness generally persists for two to four weeks.
