DGHS launches hotline for mpox

Following the detection of a mpox case in Pakistan, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Bangladesh has launched a hotline as a precautionary measure.

Anyone exhibiting symptoms of mpox is urged to contact the hotlines at 16263 or 10655 immediately, according to a press release issued by DGHS on Saturday.

The press release reads, “Monkeypox (mpox) is an infectious disease caused by the mpox virus, which can result in painful rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. The virus has spread to several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.”

“If you experience any symptoms, come into contact with an infected person, or develop symptoms within 21 days of traveling to a country with an outbreak, please contact the hotlines at 16263 or 10655.”

Notably, the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed 548 people since the start of the year.

Sweden on Thursday announced the first case outside Africa of the more dangerous variant of mpox, which the WHO has declared a global public health emergency.

Meanwhile, Pakistan health officials on Friday announced their first case of the deadly mpox virus this year.