Nurse in Punjab Hospital Tests Positive for Mpox
Mpox Case Detected Among Healthcare Staff in Bahawalpur
Health authorities in Punjab have confirmed that a senior nurse at Bahawal Victoria Hospital in Bahawalpur has tested positive for mpox, sparking concern among doctors and hospital staff about potential transmission inside the facility.
Case Details
- The nurse’s samples were tested at a government laboratory in Lahore, which confirmed the infection.
- She had been working in the emergency ward, where she may have contracted the virus from a patient.
- After developing symptoms, her test returned positive, and she was placed in home isolation under medical supervision.
- Officials have withheld her identity to protect privacy.
Hospital Response
Doctors at Bahawal Victoria Hospital have warned that mpox can spread from person to person, putting healthcare workers, patients, and staff at risk. They have urged the administrations of Bahawal Victoria Hospital and Quaid‑i‑Azam Medical College to enforce strict preventive measures.
Preventive Steps Recommended
- Enhanced protective gear for healthcare staff.
- Isolation protocols for suspected patients.
- Awareness campaigns within hospital wards.
- Monitoring and testing of staff exposed to high‑risk patients.
Significance of the Case
This is the first reported mpox case at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, one of South Punjab’s largest public healthcare facilities. The detection highlights the urgent need for infection control measures to prevent wider spread in hospitals.
Final Takeaway
The mpox case in Bahawalpur underscores the vulnerability of healthcare workers and the importance of strict hospital safety protocols. With rising concerns about local transmission in Pakistan, authorities must act quickly to contain risks and protect frontline medical staff.