Pakistan has reported its second death linked to mpox, after a 53-year-old man from Faisalabad died during treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, health officials confirmed on Sunday.
According to hospital and health authorities, the patient was admitted with extensive skin and genital lesions consistent with mpox and passed away on Saturday, February 7, despite receiving medical care. The fatality marks the second mpox-associated death recorded in the country to date.
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Officials said the patient had no recent travel history, indicating that the infection was acquired locally. This has heightened concerns among public health experts about ongoing community transmission of mpox within Pakistan.
The deceased was a known patient of HIV and was also co-infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Doctors involved in his treatment said his immune system was severely compromised, with an extremely low CD4 count, placing him at high risk of severe complications. He had reportedly begun antiretroviral therapy only a few months prior to his admission.
Health officials said the man had experienced widespread skin and genital lesions for nearly a month before seeking hospital care. His condition continued to deteriorate due to advanced immunosuppression and multiple underlying health issues.
The latest case follows Pakistan’s first mpox-related death reported in Islamabad in December 2023. Authorities noted that both fatalities occurred in patients with significant co-morbidities, particularly HIV infection, highlighting the increased vulnerability of immunocompromised individuals.
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According to the federal health ministry and the National Institute of Health, Pakistan recorded 53 confirmed mpox cases last year, most of which were detected through surveillance at entry points and hospitals. However, the absence of travel history in the latest case suggests sustained local transmission.
Public health experts have called for enhanced surveillance, early diagnosis, timely isolation, and prompt treatment, especially for high-risk groups. Health authorities said contact tracing is under way and reiterated that mpox is not airborne, urging the public to seek medical attention for unusual rashes or lesions.