KHAIRPUR: Authorities in Khairpur have confirmed that four out of seven children who recently died amid a surge in skin-related illnesses were infected with Monkeypox, according to the district administration.
The Deputy Commissioner of Khairpur stated that the fatalities occurred during a sudden outbreak affecting children in the region. Officials revealed that while four deaths were directly associated with monkeypox, some of the affected children were also battling Measles.
Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi noted that at least 19 children have been identified with similar symptoms, prompting urgent public health measures to contain the spread. Most of the deaths were reported from the Thariwah locality.
In response, health authorities have established isolation wards across the Sukkur Division to manage patients and reduce the risk of further transmission.
Monkeypox is a viral infection caused by the Mpox virus. While its exact natural source remains uncertain, it is believed to be transmitted to humans through infected animals, particularly rodents and primates.
The disease typically begins with fever, followed within a few days by a distinctive rash that often starts on the face and spreads across the body. The rash evolves through multiple stages, including flat spots, raised bumps, fluid-filled blisters, pus-filled lesions, and eventually scabs.
Common symptoms also include headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period generally ranges from 5 to 21 days, most commonly between 7 and 14 days, with the illness lasting around two to four weeks.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as containment efforts remain underway.
