Health officials in Lahore step up monitoring as hospitals report new monkeypox infections.
LAHORE: Lahore has been placed on alert after a surge of monkeypox cases at Mayo Hospital, prompting intensified monitoring by public health officials and hospital administrators. According to hospital sources, three new patients have tested positive, representing the latest cluster in what doctors describe as a steadily growing trend of suspected and confirmed infections in the city.
Hospital sources confirmed that two male patients have tested positive for monkeypox. Abu S. is admitted to the East Ward, while Safdar is being treated in the South Ward. Both patients presented symptoms consistent with the virus and were immediately transferred to the hospital’s isolation facility to prevent further spread.
“In addition to the two confirmed male cases, a 30-year-old woman visiting the outpatient department showed symptoms strongly suggestive of monkeypox. Diagnostic tests are pending, and she has been placed under observation in the isolation ward until results are finalized.
With these newly confirmed cases, the total number of verified monkeypox patients in Lahore has risen to seven, prompting close monitoring by public health officials. The city’s major tertiary-care hospitals have been tracking an increase in suspected infections, especially after Mayo Hospital reported four cases over the past three weeks, including those announced recently.
Hospital officials described the situation as ‘concerning but under control,’ noting that all confirmed patients have been isolated and contact-tracing protocols activated. Medical teams are following high-alert SOPs, especially in emergency and outpatient departments, where symptomatic patients usually present first.
Doctors at Mayo Hospital emphasized that the rise in suspected cases reflects greater public awareness and faster reporting rather than an uncontrolled outbreak. However, they acknowledge that recent admissions suggest the virus may be circulating more actively in the community than previously thought.
Specialists monitoring the situation said most patients reported living in dense urban areas, though no official cluster or ‘ground zero’ has been identified. The hospital’s infectious-disease team is gathering patient histories to determine whether the infections are linked to travel, close contact, or community-level transmission.
Mayo Hospital has reinforced screening procedures across multiple departments, and staff in high-risk units have been advised to use enhanced protective measures. While no official statement has been released, senior medical personnel confirm contingency plans are in place in case admissions increase further.
The rising case count has prompted discussions among health authorities about a possible formal advisory or early-warning system. Currently, no citywide restrictions or preventive guidelines have been issued, but senior officials are closely reviewing the situation.
Local observers warn that without transparent communication, effective screening, and proactive containment, Lahore could face additional clusters. As hospitals report new patients and expand testing, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the virus remains contained or spreads further across the city.
