Two Mpox cases confirmed in Multan Hospital

Two patients in Multan have tested positive for mpox and are being treated in isolation at Nishtar Hospital, health officials confirmed. 

According to PCR laboratory tests conducted at a Punjab public health reference lab, the mpox was confirmed positive for both the patients.

The first case is of a 22-year-old trans person from Mian Channu tehsil in Khanewal district. He who was diagnosed on January 13, 2026, after experiencing fever and skin rashes. The second is a 20-year-old police constable from Muzaffargarh, confirmed on February 2, also showing rash symptoms. Both individuals were found to be co-infected with HIV, according to officials.

Hospital sources reported, the constable attempted to leave before test results were complete but was stopped by Nishtar Hospital guards. He was later transferred to Isolation Ward No. 27 for close monitoring.

According to Nishtar Hospital’s MS Dr Riwad Noor, both patients have no recent travel history.

Meanwhile, the health department has strengthened surveillance in Multan and neighbouring districts and urged hospitals to watch for symptoms consistent with mpox. 

Health authorities noted that people with weakened immune systems, such as individuals living with HIV, are at higher risk for complications from mpox, as outlined in WHO guidance.

Furthermore, the WHO recommends avoiding close physical contact with infected persons, practising good hygiene, and isolating confirmed cases until all lesions have healed.