Attock Man Diagnosed with Monkeypox After Gulf Trip

A 42-year-old man from Attock has tested positive for monkeypox, marking the latest confirmed case in Pakistan. The National Institute of Health (NIH) said the patient had recently returned from a Gulf country and showed symptoms shortly after arriving in Islamabad.

The man was initially admitted to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) before being moved to THQ Hospital Hazro. Health authorities confirmed that he is under isolation and being treated according to standard medical protocols.

NIH carried out laboratory testing, which verified the infection earlier this week. Officials said they were closely monitoring the case and ensuring contact tracing procedures were in place.

A second passenger, who also arrived from the Gulf and was suspected of being infected, tested negative. This leaves only one confirmed case for now, easing concerns of a wider outbreak.

Health officials explained that international travel remains a key risk factor for the spread of monkeypox. They urged passengers returning from abroad to undergo checks and report any symptoms such as fever, rashes, or body aches.

The Ministry of Health added that Pakistan has strengthened its capacity to detect and isolate such cases and continues to coordinate with provincial health departments.