Kerala has reported a third case of monkeypox, a serious viral infection that leads to onset of high fever, swollen lymph nod, and rashes all over the body. A 35-year old man, who came to Kerala from the UAE earlier this month, has tested positive for monkeypox, making him the third case of the virus from the country as well as the State.
Health Minister Veena George said the Malappuram native arrived in the southern State on July 6 and had fever since July 13. He was undergoing treatment at the Manjeri Medical College there and his health condition is stable, she said. The Minister also said all those who were in close contact with the patient are being closely monitored and their health condition is also stable.
“Everybody should be aware about the disease... Isolation facilities have been arranged in all districts. Surveillance has been intensified after setting up help desks in airports,” she said after a high level meeting of health department officials here.
India had last week reported a second confirmed case of monkeypox from Kerala’s Kannur district. The patient was undergoing treatment at the Pariyaram Medical College there.
The first case of monkeypox, a rare but potentially serious viral illness, was reported from Kollam district of south Kerala on July 14. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram.
According to the World Health Organization, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals), with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe.