Monkey pox resurgence in South Asia: Pakistan's 2024 case highlights global health challenges

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a serious worldwide notice regarding Monkey pox (Mpox), designating it as a public health emergency. Mpox, which began from West and Central Africa, has since migrated to non-endemic areas, such as South Asia. In 2024, Pakistan reported the first incidence of the disease, which was connected to a visitor from Saudi Arabia. The virus, which was previously primarily harming youth in Africa, is increasingly impacting a wider demographic, especially adults and men who have sex with other men (MSM) which usually are occurring in sexual health clinics. Engaging in sexual intercourse, inhaling droplets, and coming into contact are the three ways that the disease escalates. The risk is highest in underprivileged communities that are often stigmatized and have little access to primary healthcare. Antivirals such as brincidofovir, cidofovir, and tecovirimat are now used in treatment; in an emergency, vaccinations like JYNNEOS and Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous (VIGIV) are also available. In regions where vaccine supplies are scarce, targeted and ring vaccination programs are essential. To cease the transmission of Mpox and lessen its effects on public health, increased surveillance, travel restrictions, and focused preventative efforts are crucial to aid non endemic countries from these catastrophes.

Keywords: South Asia; monkey pox; mpox; outbreak; public health.