Epidemic hazard

On 05 Apr 2026, BEACON reported on a cluster of mpox cases affecting neonates in Khairpur district, Sindh province, Pakistan. The cluster was first identified on 14 Mar 2026, when unusual skin lesions were reported among newborns in Khairpur. Subsequent laboratory testing by Dow University of Health Sciences and Aga Khan University confirmed mpox infection in several infants. On 08 Apr 2026, BEACON received a copy of the press release issued by the Department of Health of the Government of Singh, which is copied here and contains additional information: “The Department of Health, Government of Sindh, expressed sorrow over the deaths and extended condolences to the families of the seven children who died between 14th March and 3rd April 2026, identified during investigation and surveillance. Among the reported deaths, four neonates tested positive for mpox; however, clinical review indicated that all fatalities were associated with underlying vulnerabilities, including low birth weight, prematurity, malnutrition, and other neonatal complications, and were not directly caused by mpox. “The Health Department initiated a timely public health response following the emergence of unusual skin lesions among neonates and young infants in District Khairpur, beginning on 14 Mar 2026. From the first day of notification, district and provincial health authorities initiated epidemiological investigation, laboratory testing, and infection prevention and control measures to manage the risk of further transmission. Between 19 and 26 Mar 2026, four dermatological cases were identified with atypical vesicular and pustular lesions, leading to suspicion of mpox. Specimens from all four neonates were collected on their respective dates of identification and transported to the Public Health Reference Laboratory at Dow University of Health Sciences (Ojha Campus) for testing. On 28 Mar 2026, laboratory tests confirmed the presence of mpox. “On 31 Mar 2026, a joint investigation team comprising a field epidemiologist from the Provincial Disease Surveillance and Response Unit (PDSRU) of the Director General of Health Services, Sindh, and laboratory personnel from Dow University of Health Sciences was deployed to the affected area. The field investigation identified eight additional suspected cases based on clinical presentation and epidemiological links. Samples were tested at the Public Health Reference Laboratory, Dow University of Health Sciences (Ojha Campus), where three out of eight samples tested positive for mpox on 01 Apr 2026. The same samples were sent to Aga Khan University for confirmation, which also verified the positive results on 02 Apr 2026. Through epidemiological investigation and active surveillance, the team identified the index case and the probable source of the outbreak. “The Department of Health temporarily closed the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Khairpur Medical College Hospital and one private hospital’s neonatal unit after epidemiological linkage suggested possible healthcare-associated transmission. A district rapid response team was activated, and contact tracing, active case search, and enhanced surveillance were initiated across Khairpur and adjoining areas. Infection prevention and control measures were implemented in neonatal and pediatric units, including isolation arrangements and environmental disinfection of NICUs and medical equipment. The health department also coordinated with the Sindh Healthcare Commission and tertiary care hospitals in Sukkur to ensure case management, regulatory compliance, and continued monitoring of the situation. Surveillance activities and infection prevention measures remain in place, and the situation is under control, being continuously monitored to prevent further transmission.” The full report can be found here: https://beaconbio.org/en/report/?reportid=16fe7d44-7fed-4666-9864-bb8f04961338&eventid=d6fde3a5-ff63-484d-9dc6-9218e53e7baf