Islamabad: Pakistan has reported the death of another patient infected with monkeypox who was also living with HIV, raising concerns about the spread of the disease within the country. The latest fatality involves a 53-year-old man from Faisalabad, who was admitted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. He passed away on Saturday while undergoing treatment, according to hospital officials.
Authorities confirmed that the deceased patient was suffering from multiple health conditions, including hepatitis B and C, in addition to HIV and monkeypox. These pre-existing illnesses significantly complicated his treatment and contributed to his unfortunate death.
This marks the second confirmed death from monkeypox in Pakistan, with the first reported in December 2023, also in Islamabad. Health officials have emphasized that while monkeypox has historically been rare in Pakistan, there is now clear evidence of local transmission, as the patient in question had no recent travel history or contact with known monkeypox cases abroad.
Rising Cases of Monkeypox in Pakistan
Since its first detection in Pakistan last year, monkeypox has been reported in multiple regions. According to officials, 53 confirmed cases of monkeypox were recorded in 2025, highlighting the need for increased surveillance and public awareness. Health authorities stress that monkeypox, while typically less severe than diseases like smallpox, can be dangerous for immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV, chronic illnesses, or co-infections such as hepatitis.
Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus family, which also includes smallpox. The disease is primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected person or contaminated objects, and can also spread via respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact. Common symptoms include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue, with skin lesions appearing in multiple stages before healing.
Healthcare Response and Challenges
Health authorities in Pakistan have been closely monitoring suspected monkeypox cases and are urging hospitals to maintain isolation wards for patients to prevent further transmission. Recent reports indicate that suspected cases are being identified in major cities such as Karachi, where patients exhibiting monkeypox symptoms have been transferred to isolation wards for testing and treatment.
The Ministry of National Health Services and hospital officials have stressed that while monkeypox has a low mortality rate in healthy individuals, it poses a serious risk to immunocompromised patients. The overlapping health conditions of the latest patient—HIV, hepatitis B and C—made his case particularly severe.
Authorities continue to investigate the local transmission patterns of monkeypox. They emphasize the importance of contact tracing, testing, and public awareness campaigns to minimize the spread of the virus. Given the lack of travel history in this case, experts suggest that the virus may now be circulating locally, which underlines the urgent need for preventive measures.
Public Health Recommendations
Health experts have advised citizens to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of monkeypox infection:
- Avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms of the disease.
- Maintain good hygiene, including regular handwashing.
- Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms like fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes appear.
- Isolate confirmed cases to prevent further spread, especially in households with vulnerable individuals.
Medical authorities are also monitoring patients with co-morbidities carefully, as individuals with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of severe complications from monkeypox.
Global Context
Monkeypox is not unique to Pakistan; it has been reported globally, particularly in regions of Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The disease received widespread attention after a surge in cases in 2022, leading to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring it a public health concern. However, the WHO noted that with timely medical care, most patients recover fully, though deaths can occur among high-risk groups, including those with compromised immunity.
Conclusion
The recent death of the 53-year-old man in Islamabad underscores the growing public health challenge posed by monkeypox in Pakistan, particularly among immunocompromised populations. Authorities urge the public not to panic but to remain vigilant and follow recommended precautionary measures.
With local transmission now evident and 53 cases recorded last year, healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of early detection, isolation, and treatment. They also call for enhanced public awareness campaigns to ensure that citizens recognize the symptoms early and seek medical attention promptly.
While monkeypox is generally manageable in healthy individuals, fatalities like this highlight the serious risks for patients with multiple health conditions. The government and healthcare institutions continue to strengthen their response, aiming to contain the disease and prevent further fatalities.
