KARACHI, October 23, 2026: The Sindh Health Department has strengthened surveillance, contact tracing and case management following the detection of seven new Mpox cases over the past week. Available figures show that Karachi recorded the highest number of cases, at 26, while men accounted for 73 per cent of reported infections and women 27 per cent.
According to the district-wise data, Khairpur reported 22 cases, Sukkur nine and Hyderabad five. Ghotki, Kashmore and Shaheed Benazirabad reported three cases each.
The age-wise breakdown showed nine cases among children aged up to nine years and six among people aged 10 to 19. A total of 20 cases were reported among individuals aged 20 to 29, while the 30–39 age group recorded the highest number, at 28 cases.
Fourteen cases were reported among people aged 40 to 49, seven among those aged 50 to 59, and one case involved a person aged 60.
The Health Department said it was actively monitoring the situation, identifying people who may have been exposed to confirmed cases and providing appropriate clinical care to patients admitted to public hospitals. Public and private healthcare facilities have been directed to strictly implement infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and ensure the use of personal protective equipment wherever indicated.
Separately, the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has sealed Ibn-e-Hassan Hospital in Karachi following a laboratory report confirming Mpox in a 20-day-old infant. Concerns were also identified regarding infection prevention and control practices at the facility.
The department has advised the public to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with skin lesions and rashes of suspected or confirmed cases, and refrain from sharing towels, clothing, bedding and other personal belongings.
People developing unusual rashes, blisters or skin lesions, particularly after close contact with a suspected or confirmed case, should seek prompt medical assessment and inform healthcare professionals about possible exposure.
The department has urged the public to follow recommended preventive measures, rely on verified information from official sources and avoid circulating unconfirmed reports on social media.