Kerala Reports Another Monkeypox Case, 7th In India

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• Aug 2, 2022 | Dhupali Das

Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced the news of another monkeypox case in the state...

Digital Desk: Days after one individual with monkeypox-like symptoms passed away in the state, another case of monkeypox has been reported in Kerala after a UAE returnee tested positive today (August 2). Notably, this is the fifth case of the viral disease in the state so far.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced the news of another monkeypox case in the state.

The health minister stated that the 30-year-old patient is currently receiving treatment at Malappuram.

"He arrived at Kozhikode Airport on July 27 from the UAE and was receiving treatment at the Manjeri Medical College in Malappuram," the minister said.

Meanwhile, an official from the health department stated that after the death of one person with symptoms like monkeypox, twenty people have been put under quarantine in the Thrissur region of the state. 

Further, the official stated that the victim had communicated with only 10 people, including family members and friends.

"There is no panic in this area because the situation is completely under control. Only 10 people were in direct contact with the individual, including family members and a few friends. 20 people have been quarantined so far," said Renjini, a member of the education and health standing committee.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the same virus family as smallpox. The disease is endemic in locations such as West and Central Africa, but cases have recently been reported from non-endemic countries as well, WHO said.

The common signs of monkeypox include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rash. It can also cause a variety of medical problems. Usually, it is a self-limiting disease with symptoms lasting two to four weeks.

 Reportedly, a task force was formed by the Centre on Monday to keep an eye on the situation and choose appropriate response measures in light of the recent reports of new confirmed and suspected cases.