Monkeypox: Kerala confirms state's 5th case of virus in 30-year-old UAE returnee
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New Delhi: A 30-year-old from UAE tested positive for the monkeypox virus in Kerala. With this, the state has confirmed its 5th case of infection. Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Tuesday informed that the youth is undergoing treatment in Malappuram.
He had reached Kozhikode airport on July 27 from the UAE and was undergoing treatment at the Manjeri Medical College in Malappuram, the minister said.
This comes just days after the death of one person with Monkeypox-like symptoms in the state.
Twenty people have been quarantined in the state's Thrissur district following the death of a person with Monkeypox-like symptoms, officials said on Monday.
The officials also confirmed that the victim had come in contact with "only 10 people" including family members and friends.
"The situation is well under control, there's no panic here as of now. The person had direct contact with only 10 people including family members and a few friends. 20 people quarantined so far," said Renjini, Member, Education, and Health standing committee.
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. The disease is endemic in regions like West and Central Africa but lately, cases have been reported from non-endemic countries too, according to the WHO.
Monkeypox typically manifests itself with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. It is usually a self-limiting disease with symptoms lasting for two to four weeks.
With new confirmed and suspected cases being reported, the Centre formed a task force Monday to monitor the situation and decide on response initiatives.
