Karachi has reported its first infant death from mpox this year after a 52-day-old baby boy died
during treatment at a specialist hospital. The mpox outbreak in Sindh has raised serious
concerns about infection control in healthcare facilities.

The infant had reportedly contracted the infection during circumcision at a hospital in Malir. The
facility was later sealed because of concerns about poor infection prevention measures. The
baby received treatment at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Centre for at
least ten days before his death.

Doctors have also reported another infant with mpox who remains in critical condition.
According to hospital sources the child’s health indicators are concerning. The family reportedly
said that the baby had also undergone circumcision at the same facility.
At least seven patients are receiving treatment for mpox at the hospital. They include two
workers from the fruit and vegetable market on Superhighway and a woman who reportedly
contracted the infection from her husband.

With the latest death Sindh’s reported mpox death toll has reached 12 this year. Health sources
have reported 98 cases across the province. Earlier deaths included infants in Khairpur and
Sukkur where concerns were also raised about infection control practices in hospitals.
Health experts explain that mpox can spread through close contact with an infected person.
Transmission may also occur through contaminated bedding and towels or infected medical
equipment and surfaces. In some cases transmission can happen during pregnancy or around
childbirth.

Most patients recover within two to four weeks. However some people may develop serious
complications. Patients can remain infectious until their rashes have completely healed and
healthy skin has formed.

In Karachi the Sindh Health Care Commission recently sealed Ibn-i-Hassan Hospital in Malir 15.
The action followed a laboratory report confirming an infant mpox case and concerns about
infection prevention practices.

Health experts stress that hospitals must follow strict hygiene procedures and use properly
sterilised medical instruments. Families should seek treatment from licensed healthcare facilities
and report suspected infections promptly.

Razia khan