ISLAMABAD: Health officials in Pakistan confirmed on Monday that a recent case of mpox diagnosed in the country does not involve the new Clade 1b strain currently spreading in Africa. The patient, a 34-year-old man who had recently returned from abroad, tested positive for mpox, but the virus was identified as Clade 2b.
The health ministry issued a statement clarifying that the confirmed strain is distinct from the new Clade 1b subclade, which has been causing a significant outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
“The virus has been classified as Clade 2b,” the ministry said. “Currently, the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is primarily associated with Clade 1b. Notably, as of now, there have been no reported cases of Clade 1b in Pakistan.”
Mpox surged globally in May 2022, mainly affecting gay and bisexual men due to the Clade 2b subclade. However, the number of cases has since declined. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently elevated the situation in Africa to a public health emergency of international concern due to the rapid spread of the new Clade 1b strain. This designation represents the highest level of alert by the WHO.
The new Clade 1b strain has been particularly concerning due to its aggressive spread and the severe impact it has had in affected regions. As of last week, Sweden reported its first case of the Clade 1b strain outside of Africa. In the DRC, where the outbreak is most severe, approximately 16,000 cases have been recorded, resulting in 548 deaths.
In response to the situation, the WHO has called for increased surveillance and preventive measures to control the spread of Clade 1b and mitigate the risk of further international transmission.
Pakistan’s health officials have assured the public that the mpox case in the country is being managed in accordance with established health protocols. They are continuing to monitor the situation and implement necessary measures to prevent the spread of any potential new strains.
