The Sindh Health Department has issued an alert to all hospitals of the province regarding the probable spread of monkeypox in the country. At least 111 suspected and confirmed cases of the virus have been reported in the US and Britain so far.

The authorities wants mandatory screening of people who have travelled from countries reporting monkeypox cases.

Healthcare providers have been advised to report the suspected cases of the virus to the surveillance and response units for timely and immediate intervention at each level, according to a notification issued by the health department.

The illness often starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle ache and swollen lymph nodes before causing a chicken pox-like rash on the face and body, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What is Monkeypox and why is it spreading around the world?

The disease can spread by contact with the bodily fluids or sores of an infected person or “shared items (such as clothing and bedding) that have been contaminated,” according to the CDC, adding that household disinfectants can kill the virus.

At least 92 confirmed cases of the virus and 28 suspected cases have been reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) from 12 member states that are not endemic for monkeypox virus, read a WHO disease outbreak news issued on Saturday.

These countries are: Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA.

The WHO has warned that more cases are likely to be reported.