Mpox Cases

Kerala has confirmed its first Mpox case, diagnosing a 38-year-old man who arrived from the UAE last week. The man, hailing from Othayi village in Malappuram, developed symptoms shortly after returning home. He was admitted to the government medical college hospital in Manjeri on Monday after self-quarantining at home to prevent contact with others.

Health Minister Veena George confirmed the diagnosis on Wednesday, stating that the patient’s samples were tested at the virology lab at Kozhikode’s government medical college. She urged anyone returning from abroad to seek immediate medical attention if they develop Mpox symptoms to prevent further spread.

Mpox cases: Updates

In response to the case, Kerala has taken precautionary measures by setting up isolation wards in 14 hospitals across the state, including major medical colleges. These preparations aim to handle any potential increase in cases and prevent a larger outbreak.

This case follows global concerns over Mpox, a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which spreads through close contact. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared Mpox a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern,’ its highest level of alert. Last month, a suspected Mpox case was also reported in Delhi, where the patient was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital for observation.

While India is on alert, health experts believe the risk of a widespread Mpox outbreak remains low. They anticipate only a few isolated cases, primarily imported from travelers. Still, health authorities continue to closely monitor the situation, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any symptoms immediately to curb the spread of the virus.