Second Mpox Case Confirmed in Kerala: Man Returning from UAE Hospitalized in Kochi

Kerala has reported its second case of Mpox (monkeypox) after a man who recently returned from the UAE tested positive in Ernakulam. The individual is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kochi, and his condition is stable.

State Health Minister Veena George confirmed that preventive measures have been implemented, including the preparation of a contact list for the patient. Isolation facilities have been set up in all districts to manage potential cases, and the health department has urged anyone showing symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.

India recently reported its first case of the Mpox Clade 1b strain, which led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a public health emergency. The initial case involved a 38-year-old man from Malappuram, Kerala, who had also returned from the UAE. Since the WHO’s 2022 declaration, 30 Mpox cases have been recorded in India.

In response, the Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to all states and union territories, instructing them to review public health preparedness at health facilities. The ministry has outlined necessary actions to prevent further spread, emphasizing close monitoring and management at the state and district levels.

How Mpox Spreads and Symptoms

Mpox is generally a self-limiting disease, lasting between two to four weeks, and can be managed with supportive medical care. It spreads through prolonged close contact with an infected individual. Common symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, which can lead to complications if not treated promptly.

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