Second Mpox case detected; patient recently returned from Dubai
A 38-year-old man from Kerala's Malappuram district has been diagnosed with monkeypox (Mpox), marking the second confirmed case of the disease in India. The patient had recently returned from Dubai and began exhibiting symptoms of Mpox, a viral illness related to smallpox. According to State Health Minister Veena George, he had isolated himself from his family as a precautionary measure upon noticing these symptoms.
Patient's journey to diagnosis and isolation
The patient was initially admitted to a private hospital due to his illness. Later, he was transferred to Manjeri Medical College due to suspicions of Mpox. "On suspecting that it might be a case of monkeypox, we sent his samples to the Kozhikode Medical College for testing and the results are awaited," a district health official said.
Monkeypox: A viral illness with skin rashes, fever
Mpox is a viral illness related to smallpox. It is characterized by skin rashes, fever, and flu-like symptoms. The disease spreads through close skin-to-skin contact and can be self-limiting. However, in some cases, it can be fatal. Last week, a new case of Mpox was reported in the national capital, when a 26-year-old resident of Hisar, Haryana tested positive for the virus.
India's 1st mpox case and Kerala's alert status
The patient is currently receiving treatment at the Delhi government-run LNJP Hospital. Kerala has been on high alert for Mpox since August, following the World Health Organization's declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The state had previously reported cases of the disease in 2022. But this recent case in Kerala is not linked to the current public health emergency declared by WHO, which pertains to clade 1 of Mpox, the Health Ministry said.
