The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has sealed a private hospital in Karachi after a newborn tested positive for mpox, with contaminated instruments used during circumcision suspected to be the source of infection.
According to reports, the infection was detected in a 20-day-old baby who underwent circumcision at Ibne Hassan Hospital in Malir 15, within the jurisdiction of Saudabad Police Station.
SHCC spokesperson Mustafa Jatoi said the hospital was sealed following a report submitted by the District Health Officer (DHO) Korangi regarding alleged violations of medical standards.
Laboratory tests conducted on the infant’s swab samples at Dow University confirmed the presence of the mpox virus. An inquiry indicated that contaminated scissors used during circumcision were the suspected source of infection.
The commission said the hospital was operating illegally, with unqualified staff and quacks performing medical procedures, including circumcisions. Poor hygiene, inadequate infection prevention and control measures, and other reported malpractices also raised serious concerns about patient safety and public health.
SHCC officials reportedly faced resistance from hospital staff during the operation. However, with the assistance of the DHO Korangi, the senior superintendent of police (SSP), and local police, the situation was brought under control, allowing authorities to seal the facility.
According to family sources, the infant, who belongs to Karachi’s Landhi area, developed a fever and severe rashes across his body. His family initially sought treatment at local clinics in Landhi and Korangi before he was referred to the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital & Research Centre (SIDH&RC).
The baby is reportedly in stable condition but remains restless.
Last week, a 40-day-old baby boy was also reported to have tested positive for mpox and was receiving treatment at SIDH&RC.
A senior doctor said the infant had developed fever and rashes across his body before his parents took him to a private hospital, which referred him to the infectious diseases facility.
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