High alert has been issued in Punjab and Sindh regarding the spread of suspected monkeypox cases.

Chairing a meeting in Lahore today, Caretaker Punjab Health Minister Dr. Javed Akram said Children hospital and General hospital in Lahore have been designated to provide immediate treatment to affected people.

He said guidelines have been issued to all airlines for screening of passengers inside the plane to stop this contagious disease.

He said a helpline is also being established to provide relevant information related to Monkey pox to general public.

In Sindh, the Director General Health has asked all medical superintendents, civil surgeons, directors of major hospitals and health institutes to be vigilant and prepared to prevent the spread of this virus in the province.

He said anyone having an acute illness with a fever of 101 degrees, intense headache, back pain or intense asthenia should immediately inform the nominated health officer.

People having such symptoms have been advised to inform Additional Director Preventive Dr. Saqib Shaikh on phone number 03002247244 and Dr. Muhammad Asif Syed 03332863477 who have been assigned for the task to receive information from different areas so that patients could be treated properly.

Source: Radio Pakistan