(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(By Muhammad Mansoor Mumtaz, Lahore)
Expressing serious concern over the rising number of Mpox cases in Lahore, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore General Secretary Dr Wajid Ali has revealed that four precious lives have been lost to Mpox in the city during the current month, while the disease is spreading rapidly—reflecting a highly alarming situation.
Dr Wajid Ali stated that Mpox is a viral disease caused by a virus belonging to the same family as smallpox. While the illness may remain mild in some cases, it can prove fatal for children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
He explained that common symptoms of Mpox include fever, severe headache, body and muscle aches, back pain, extreme fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin. A few days later, rashes or blisters begin to appear—starting from the face and spreading to other parts of the body—which may eventually turn into pus-filled lesions.
According to Dr Wajid Ali, the disease is primarily transmitted through close physical contact with an infected person, touching rashes or lesions, exposure to bodily fluids, or the use of contaminated clothes, bedding, or towels. Prolonged close contact may also result in transmission through respiratory droplets.
He warned that in the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment, Mpox can lead to serious complications such as severe skin infections, pneumonia, eye infections, and blood infections (sepsis), which may be life-threatening in some patients.
The PMA Lahore General Secretary urged the Punjab government and the Health Department to take immediate, effective, and emergency measures to curb the spread of Mpox and to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign so that people can adopt preventive measures in time.
Advising the public on precautionary steps, Dr Wajid Ali said that anyone experiencing fever or rashes should isolate themselves immediately, avoid close contact with infected individuals, maintain strict hand hygiene, and refrain from sharing personal items.
He emphasized that individuals showing symptoms of Mpox should immediately report to the nearest government hospital or an accredited medical facility, and instead of paying heed to rumors or unverified social media information, should follow the advice of qualified healthcare professionals.
