Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Wednesday, September 18, confirmed that a Kerala resident, who returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), tested positive for Mpox infection. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus.
The 38-year-old man, a native of Edavanna in Malappuram district has been admitted to the Manjeri Medical College Hospital with Mpox symptoms and is currently undergoing treatment. This is the second case reported in India. Two weeks ago, a 26-year-old resident of Haryana’s Hisar tested positive.
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). It may cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and low energy.
The infectious disease lasts between two and four weeks, and the patient usually recover with supportive medical care and management. According to reports, the patient went to Manjeri Medical College Hospital on September 16 with symptoms. Mpox symptoms include skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
Upon suspecting the illness, the doctors collected his samples and sent them to the virology lab in Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.
Symptoms:
- Rash: This can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, inside the mouth, and the genitals. It may start as small, flat, red spots that quickly turn into bumps. The bumps may fill with fluid and then crust over.
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
Transmission:
Mpox is transmitted through close contact with an infected person. This can happen through:
- Direct contact with a rash or sores
- Contact with contaminated materials, such as clothing or bedding
- Respiratory droplets from an infected person
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for Mpox. However, supportive care, such as fluids and pain relievers, can help manage symptoms. In severe cases, antiviral medications may be used.
Prevention:
The best way to prevent Mpox is to avoid close contact with infected people. Vaccination against smallpox can also help protect against Mpox.
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