Published Jul 14, 2022 | 10:04 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 26, 2022 | 11:20 AM
A UAE returnee was kept in isolation as he showed symptoms similar to monkeypox. (WHO/Nigeria Centre for Disease Control)
A suspected case of monkeypox has surfaced in Kerala.
A young man returning from the Gulf three days ago was kept in isolation as he had rashes and showed other symptoms similar to monkeypox.
His samples were collected and sent to the National Institute of Virology’s laboratory in Pune.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram: “A person who had returned from United Arab Emirates (UAE) three days ago was kept in isolation after he showed symptoms of the viral zoonotic disease monkeypox.”
Kerala Health Kerala Health Minister Veena George said, “UAE returnee has been kept under observation and in isolation after he showed symptoms of monkeypox. (Veena George/Facebook)
She added: “We are taking all precautionary steps since the youth’s room partner back in the UAE is suffering from monkeypox.”
She also said: “The lab report is expected by Thursday evening.”
India has no confirmed case of monkeypox so far.
A suspected case was reported from Kolkata last week, but it turned out to be chickenpox.
George said the youth had told the doctors treating him that he was barely in contact with his room partner after he was confirmed with monkeypox.
The state health department has directed his family and friends to remain in isolation.
The minister pointed out that the zoonotic viral disease has symptoms similar to smallpox, but is of less clinical severity.
According to reports, the US reported nearly 800 cases of monkeypox in the first week of July.
The global tally is around 8,200 cases in 57 countries.
Monkeypox was first reported in 1958 in countries where monkeys were used for research work.
