Mpox requires heightened public awareness, timely diagnosis and coordinated research to limit transmission and improve treatment outcomes, medical experts said at a symposium held in Lahore. The Department of Dermatology at Lahore General Hospital hosted the event titled Mpox Unmasked: Prevention, Treatment & Research Frontiers, where specialists outlined the virus’s behaviour, routes of spread and current clinical approaches.
Principal Amiruddin Medical College (AMC) Prof. Farooq Afzal urged young doctors to engage in Mpox-related research to strengthen local response and refine future treatment strategies. He said collaboration among healthcare institutions, clinicians and researchers is essential to control outbreaks and protect community health.
Speakers including Prof. Nudrat Sohail, MS LGH Prof. Dr. Faryad Hussain, HoD Dermatology Prof. Atif Shehzad, Dr. Furqana Akhtar, Dr. Saadiya Siddiqi, Dr. Tahir Kamal and Dr. Sana Muazzam reviewed how Mpox transmits from animals to humans and spreads through close physical contact, skin lesions, contaminated materials and respiratory droplets. They emphasised common symptoms such as fever, body aches, muscle stiffness, swollen lymph nodes, rashes or blisters and extreme fatigue, and stressed that prompt diagnosis can prevent complications.
Medical specialists advised practical precautions including keeping distance from infected individuals, practising hand hygiene, covering skin lesions and avoiding contact with contaminated clothing or bedding. They noted that mild Mpox cases are managed symptomatically while severe cases may require antiviral therapy under medical supervision, underscoring the importance of early clinical assessment.
Prof. Dr. Faryad Hussain informed attendees that the Punjab government has set up a dedicated Mpox treatment centre at Lahore General Hospital where senior doctors offer free medical and diagnostic services. Prof. Farooq Afzal praised the organising committee and acknowledged contributions by Dr. Wajieha Saeed, Dr. Eima Shaheen, Dr. Samreen Rafi, Dr. Shaiqa Mufti, Dr. Ahmed Kazmi, Dr. Hina Manzoor, Dr. Sobia Ali and Dr. Farhana Nazeer for the successful symposium.
Printed pamphlets were distributed to raise community awareness, and experts said continued public education and research will be key to limiting Mpox spread and improving patient care within Punjab and across Pakistan.
