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A 38-year-old man in Kerala's Malappuram has been diagnosed with Mpox, as confirmed by health officials. The individual, who recently returned from Dubai, showed symptoms and was admitted to the Government Medical College hospital. His samples were tested and confirmed positive for the virus on Wednesday.
Mpox is a viral disease similar to smallpox, marked by skin rashes, fever, and flu-like symptoms. It spreads through close contact and can be self-limiting but may be fatal in some cases. Kerala has been vigilant since August after the World Health Organization declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Recent Cases and Precautions
Last week, a 26-year-old from Haryana's Hisar tested positive for Mpox in Delhi. The patient was admitted to LNJP Hospital. This case was categorised as isolated by the Union health ministry, similar to 30 other cases reported in India since July 2022. The infection involved the West African clade-2 of the virus.
The Kerala health minister, Veena George, mentioned that upon returning home, the man isolated himself and took necessary precautions. A district health official noted that he initially sought treatment at a private hospital before being transferred to Manjeri Medical College. Suspecting monkeypox, his samples were sent to Kozhikode Medical College for testing.
State's Response to Mpox
Kerala had previously reported Mpox cases in 2022. The state remains alert due to the WHO's emergency declaration. The recent case highlights ongoing concerns about the virus's spread and the importance of monitoring international travellers for symptoms.
The Union health ministry clarified that the Hisar case is unrelated to the current public health emergency declared by WHO regarding clade 1 Mpox found in parts of Africa. This distinction helps focus resources on preventing further spread within India.
As Kerala continues its vigilance against Mpox, authorities emphasise early detection and isolation as key measures. These steps aim to prevent further transmission and protect public health effectively.
