A 53-day-old infant has died from mpox in Pakistan’s Sindh province, marking the 12th fatality linked to the virus in the region this year. Health officials confirmed the infant, a resident of Karachi’s Malir district, passed away after being transferred to the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Center.
Investigation Leads to Facility Closure
According to the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC), the infant contracted the virus during a circumcision procedure at a private facility, Ibn-e-Hassan Hospital. An investigation by the commission revealed that the procedure was performed using contaminated scissors. Following the incident, the SHCC sealed the hospital, citing poor hygiene standards, a lack of infection control measures, and the presence of unqualified staff.
As of Saturday, the Sindh health department has recorded 98 total cases of mpox in the province. In response to the rising numbers, local authorities have intensified surveillance and contact tracing efforts. Mpox, which spreads through close physical contact or contaminated items, typically presents with symptoms including fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes.
