Mpox cases in Pakistan have drawn attention in Karachi after the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) sealed a private hospital in Malir following a laboratory-confirmed mpox infection in an infant. The commission acted on a report from the district health officer. Mpox is a viral illness that can spread through close contact and can cause fever and skin rashes.
Hospital sealed over infection control
The SHCC said the infant reportedly caught the infection after a circumcision was performed with contaminated scissors at Ibne Hassan Hospital in Malir 15, which falls within the Saudabad police station area. A swab sample from the baby tested positive at a Dow laboratory, according to the statement. The commission cited poor hygiene, inadequate infection prevention and control, and reported malpractices, which it said raised serious concerns about patient safety and public health.
The statement also said the hospital was being run illegally by non-qualified staff and unqualified practitioners. SHCC officials faced resistance at the facility while carrying out their duties, the statement said. Korangi police supported the team, and the facility was then sealed. The Malir case is among the mpox cases in Pakistan that involve infants.
An earlier infant case in Sindh
A senior doctor said that last week a 40-day-old baby boy tested positive for mpox and was under treatment at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital & Research Centre (SIDH&RC). The doctor said the baby had fever and rashes across his body. His parents first took him to a private hospital, from where he was referred to the centre.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Karachi ke Malir ilaqay mein Sindh Healthcare Commission ne ek private hospital seal kar diya hai, jahan ek bachay mein mpox ki tasdeeq hui. Commission ke mutabiq bachay ko circumcision ke dauran aloodah scissors se infection hui, aur hospital mein safai aur infection se bachao ke intizam theek nahi thay. Agar aap ke bachay ko bukhar ya jild par daney hon, to foran qualified doctor ko dikhayen. Clinic chunte waqt registration aur qualified staff zaroor dekhein.
