Nepal reports two mpox cases among migrant workers
January 3, 2025
Nepal has confirmed two new mpox cases among migrant workers, raising its total to three since the first recorded case in 2023. Health authorities, including Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun of Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, highlight the vulnerability of Nepali workers in Gulf countries due to poor living conditions and limited healthcare access. The global mpox outbreak, declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization, has affected over 100,000 people across 122 countries. Nepal’s health officials call for strengthened surveillance and awareness to combat the spread of this disease, which is transmitted through close contact.
Nepal has reported two additional cases of mpox among migrant workers, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to three. The first case was recorded in 2023. The new cases underscore the heightened health risks faced by thousands of Nepali migrant workers, particularly in Gulf countries where poor living and working conditions and limited access to healthcare make them highly susceptible to various diseases, including mpox.
Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun of Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital emphasized the vulnerabilities of this population, calling attention to the systemic challenges that exacerbate their exposure to infectious diseases. Mpox, which spreads through close contact and causes symptoms like painful rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, has been declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). Since its global emergence in 2022, the disease has infected over 100,000 people in 122 countries, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In response, Nepal’s health authorities have urged the implementation of robust surveillance systems and the enhancement of public awareness campaigns to mitigate the disease's spread. Targeted education about preventive measures and symptoms is critical, especially for migrant workers and their families, who remain among the most vulnerable.
The emergence of mpox in Nepal highlights the interconnectedness of global health challenges and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations. Strengthening healthcare systems and addressing the structural inequities faced by migrant workers are essential steps to ensure both individual and public health. Nepal’s proactive measures to combat mpox serve as a reminder of the collective effort required to manage emerging health threats effectively.