Efforts launched to prevent Mpox virus from entering Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced new efforts to prevent monkeypox virus  from spreading in Afghanistan and outlined several key strategies.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease that can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person or contaminated items. Symptoms include high fever, muscle pain, and skin rashes.

Recent updates indicate that Pakistan' reported three monkeypox cases at Peshawar airport, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Dr. Sharafat Zaman, a spokesman for MoPH, stated in a video clip that the ministry had been actively holding meetings to address and prevent the spread of Mpox.

He emphasized that relevant departments had been tasked with implementing preventive measures.

"We are working diligently to prevent the spread of this disease in Afghanistan. Although we have not yet reported any case within the country, we are committed to employing rigorous preventive strategies to keep it at bay," Zaman said.

He also noted that the ministry was coordinating with international institutions and had developed foundational procedures and strategies to prevent the disease from entering Afghanistan.

sa/ma