The deceased infant, a resident of Malir, underwent circumcision at Ibn-e-Hassan Hospital when he was 20 days old. He reportedly developed symptoms four days later and was shifted to the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Centre in the NIPA area for treatment.
Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Abdul Wahid Rajput confirmed that the child died of mpox on Saturday despite receiving treatment.
According to the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC), the infection was allegedly transmitted through contaminated scissors used during the circumcision. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the virus.
The commission said it sealed Ibn-e-Hassan Hospital following an inspection that reportedly revealed poor hygiene, inadequate infection-control arrangements and the presence of unqualified staff. It also said the facility was operating illegally.
Meanwhile, another 42-day-old infant who underwent circumcision at the same hospital has been admitted for treatment. Hospital sources said his condition remains critical.
The incident has raised concerns about possible local transmission of mpox in Sindh. Official health department figures cited in the report show that the province has recorded 98 cases and 12 deaths this year.
Nineteen cases were reported between late September and October, including 12 in Karachi and seven in other districts of Sindh. Seventeen of those patients had no recorded travel history during the 21 days before developing symptoms, raising concerns about local transmission.
Mpox is a viral disease that can spread through close contact with an infected person or animal. Symptoms may include fever, body aches and a painful or itchy skin rash.
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