Smallpox Rumors - Pakistan: NOT

June 13, 2002
From: WHO Outbreak Response Team

Rumours reported by the media of a cluster of smallpox cases in Swabi district, Pakistan have been investigated by a team from National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, health officials from the North West Frontier Province and WHO. All cases were children and showed typical features of chickenpox. No evidence of smallpox was found. Samples are being tested at NIH.

Outbreak Verification Team
Department of Communicable Disease
Surveillance and Response (CSR)
World Health Organization,Geneva

[Many thanks to the WHO Outbreak Response Team for this very rapid feedback on the rumor generated by a report in the Pakistan English language newspaper Dawn. As mentioned earlier, it's an unfortunate occurrence when these incorrect newswire reports are published as with today's communication age, these rumors take on a life of their own and result in significant unnecessary concern and fears. - Mod.MPP]

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