India has confirmed its second case of Mpox, also known as monkeypox, after a 38-year-old man who recently returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) tested positive for the virus. This case was reported in Kerala's Malappuram district, according to Kerala Health Minister Veena George.
Patient's Condition and Treatment
The patient, who exhibited symptoms of Mpox upon his return, took precautionary measures by isolating himself from his family. He was subsequently admitted to the Manjeri Medical College in Malappuram, where his samples were sent for testing and confirmed positive on September 18, 2024.
Health Minister Veena George emphasized the importance of early treatment and urged people, especially those returning from abroad with any symptoms, to inform the health department and seek treatment immediately. The patient is currently undergoing treatment and is in stable condition.
Symptoms and Transmission
Mpox infections are generally self-limiting, lasting between two and four weeks, and patients usually recover with supportive medical care and management. The virus is transmitted through prolonged and close contact with an infected individual and typically manifests with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Other symptoms can include muscle aches, back pain, headaches, and fluid-filled blisters or sores that may appear on the face, hands, feet, and genital areas.
Public Health Response
To curb the spread of Mpox, the Kerala Health Department has intensified surveillance at all airports in the state, following central guidelines. Individuals arriving from countries where Mpox has been reported are instructed to report any symptoms at the airport, ensuring appropriate isolation, sample collection, and treatment.
Health Minister Veena George also stated that treatment and isolation facilities have been arranged in various hospitals across the state, and all government and private hospitals are required to strictly follow the protocol for managing Mpox cases.
Global Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the recent outbreak of Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2024, after a surge in cases was reported from several countries, including those in Africa such as the Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Over 120 countries have reported Mpox cases since January 2022, with more than 100,000 lab-confirmed cases and around 220 deaths.
Previous Case in India
The first case of Mpox in India was reported earlier this month in Delhi, involving a young man who had traveled from a country experiencing Mpox transmission. This case was identified as the West African clade-2 of the Mpox virus, which is not part of the current public health emergency declared by the WHO.
Prevention and Vaccination
The WHO has recommended that a vaccine can help prevent Mpox infection and should be administered within four days of contact with an infected person, or up to 14 days if the person has no symptoms. This underscores the importance of early detection and vaccination in controlling the spread of the virus.
As India continues to monitor and respond to Mpox cases, the public is advised to remain vigilant and follow the guidelines provided by the health ministry to prevent the spread of this infectious disease.
