KARACHI: A 20-day-old infant has tested positive for mpox after allegedly contracting the virus through contaminated circumcision instruments, prompting the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) to seal a hospital in Karachi’s Korangi area.
SHCC spokesperson Mustafa Jatoi said Ibn-e-Hassan Hospital was sealed following a report submitted by the District Health Officer (DHO) Korangi, which pointed to alleged breaches of healthcare standards.
According to the spokesperson, laboratory tests conducted on samples from the newborn at Dow University confirmed the presence of the mpox virus.
The inquiry identified contaminated instruments used during the infant’s circumcision as a suspected source of transmission. Investigators also found that circumcision procedures were allegedly being performed at the facility by unqualified personnel.
Family sources said the infant, who belongs to Karachi’s Landhi area, initially developed a fever accompanied by severe skin rashes.
After receiving treatment at local clinics in Landhi and Korangi, the newborn was referred to the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Centre (SIDH&RC) for further medical care.
The infant is currently reported to be in stqable condition, although he remains restless.
Ibn-e-Hassan Hospital, which falls within the jurisdiction of Saudabad Police Station, was sealed over alleged unlawful medical operations and inadequate healthcare arrangements.
