Health officials on Wednesday said that a case of MPox has been confirmed in a 38-year-old man in Malappuram, Kerala. A young man who returned from Dubai was admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Manjeri in Malappuram district of Kerala due to symptoms of MPox. A few days ago, symptoms of monkey pox (MPOX) were observed in a person who had recently returned from Dubai in Malappuram district of Kerala. Following which the young man was admitted to the government hospital. After Delhi, this case in Kerala will be the second case of the disease in India.
Admitted to Government Medical College, Malappuram
The patient, who recently returned from Dubai, showed symptoms of the disease and was admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Malappuram. His samples were sent for testing. In which the Mpox infection was later confirmed. On Tuesday, Kerala Health Minister Veena George told reporters that the patient was isolated at home and precautionary measures had been taken. A district health official said the patient had arrived in Kerala a few days ago and after falling ill, he was first admitted to a private hospital. From there, he was admitted to Manjeri Medical College, the official quoted PTI as saying. If suspected, it could be a case of monkey pox.
symptoms of mpox disease
MPox, a viral disease related to smallpox, is characterised by rash, fever and flu-like symptoms. It is spread through skin-to-skin contact and can be self-limiting. However, in some cases, it can also be fatal. Kerala has been on alert for MPox since August after the World Health Organisation declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The state had previously reported cases of the disease in 2022.
What disease is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is also called Mpox. It is an infectious disease very similar to smallpox. It is considered a member of the smallpox family. Monkeypox was first discovered in a monkey in 1958, after which it spread to 10 African countries in 1970. It broke out in 2022 and first left Africa to reach Britain. After that, the infection spread to more than 70 countries around the world. According to the WHO, some time ago, monkeypox was more common among men who have sex with men. However, it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease.
Also read: Even WHO warning has no effect, Indians are continuously consuming ‘white poison’
What is WHO’s concern?
When monkeypox spread around the world in 2022, more than 100 people died from the disease. At that time, there were only two strains of monkeypox, both less dangerous, but the new strain, clade 1a, is very dangerous. The WHO is concerned that if it reaches other countries, it could be dangerous.
How fast can monkeypox spread?
According to WHO, MPox is contagious and is transmitted from person to person. It can reach the body through respiratory droplets, i.e. sneezing, skin contact, fluid coming out of the genitals, mucous membranes or respiratory tract. There is a risk of coming into contact with an animal infected with the monkeypox virus. This virus can exit the patient’s wound and reach the body through the eyes, nose and mouth and very quickly, another person can also be infected.
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