Kerala Man Exhibits MPox Symptoms In Malappuram; Samples Sent For Testing

This development follows a recent case of MPox reported in the national capital, where a 26-year-old from Hisar, Haryana, tested positive and was admitted to the LNJP Hospital in Delhi.

In the wake of a recent death due to Nipah virus in Malappuram, Kerala, a suspected case of MPox has emerged in the same district. A man who recently returned to Kerala from abroad began showing symptoms of the disease and was initially admitted to a private hospital. He was later transferred to Manjeri Medical College. 

An official told PTI: "He was admitted to the Manjeri Medical College. On suspecting that it might be a case of monkeypox, we sent his samples to the Kozhikode Medical College for testing. The results are awaited." 

Earlier, Veena George, Health Minister of Kerala who is coordinating the containment works in Malappuram, said that the youth was previously isolated at home. However, they now await the result, as reported by IANS. 

The suspected case in Kerala comes amidst heightened health concerns in Malappuram, which has already seen containment zones established following the recent death of a 24-year-old from Nipah virus infection. The Nipah-related fatality was confirmed on September 9, and a previous death occurred on July 21, marking the state's first confirmed Nipah case this year.

MPox In India

The suspected MPox development follows a recent case of MPox reported in the national capital, where a 26-year-old from Hisar, Haryana, tested positive and was admitted to the LNJP Hospital in Delhi. The Union Health Ministry has described this as an isolated case, distinct from the 30 earlier cases reported in India since July 2022.

The Ministry clarified that this case involves the West African clade-2 of the monkeypox virus, which is not part of the current public health emergency concerning clade 1, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Monkeypox infections are generally self-limiting, lasting between two to four weeks, with patients often recovering with supportive medical care. The virus is primarily transmitted through prolonged and close contact with an infected individual and manifests through symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, potentially leading to various medical complications.