Even as Kerala is battling a fresh outbreak of the Nipah virus and is on high alert, Malappuram has reported one case of Mpox virus.
Published Sep 18, 2024 | 7:19 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 19, 2024 | 4:45 PM
Representative image of the Mpox virus (Creative Commons)
Kerala is on high alert after a case of Mpox was confirmed on Wednesday, 18 September in Malappuram. The district has already been on high alert after a recent Nipah virus outbreak.
A 38-year-old man, who recently returned from the UAE and had been exhibiting Mpox virus-like symptoms, has tested positive and is currently being treated while in isolation.
Mpox (earlier referred to as Monkeypox) is an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain and low energy. Most people fully recover, but it can be fatal for some, depending on which virus strain a person is infected with.
In light of the first confirmed case in Kerala, state health minister Veena George has urged the public, particularly those returning from abroad, to remain vigilant. “If anyone experiences symptoms resembling Mpox, they should seek medical attention immediately and inform the health department. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for controlling the spread of the virus,” she said in a statement.
Following the confirmed case, the Kerala health department has set up treatment and isolation facilities in several hospitals across the state. These facilities are prepared to manage the situation, with nodal officers assigned to provide assistance. Medical colleges in various districts have also been designated as treatment centers to ensure widespread access to healthcare services for those in need.
Additionally, Kerala has heightened surveillance at all airports following guidelines from the Centre. Passengers arriving from countries where Mpox cases have been reported, particularly several African nations, are being advised to report to airport authorities if they develop any symptoms.
“The state had released a standard operating procedure for dealing with Mpox in 2022. All the concerned, including private hospitals has been directed to follow that protocol. Appropriate isolation, sample collection and treatment are ensured,” said Veena.
– Thiruvananthapuram: Government Hospital, Trivandrum
– Kollam: District Hospital, Kollam
– Pathanamthitta: THQ Hospital, Thiruvalla
– Idukki: District Hospital, Thodupuzha
– Kottayam: Government Hospital, Pala
– Alappuzha: MCH Alappuzha
– Ernakulam: GMC Ernakulam, DH Aluva
– Thrissur: District Hospital, Wadakanchery
– Palakkad: District Hospital, Palakkad
– Malappuram: GMCH Manjeri
– Kozhikode: GMCH Kozhikode
– Wayanad: District Hospital, Mananthavady
– Kannur: GMC Kannur
– Kasargod: District Hospital, Kanhangad
According to the World Health Organisation, orthopoxvirus is what causes Mpox (Monkeypox), a disease with symptoms similar to smallpox, although less severe.
While smallpox was eradicated in 1980, Mpox continues to still be reported in countries in Central and West Africa. Two distinct strains of Mpox have been identified so far: Clade I (previously known as the Congo Basin clade) and Clade II (formerly referred to as West African clade).
In the case reported from Malappuram, officials haven’t yet disclosed which strain of the virus it is. According to the district nodal officer, results from Pune are still pending and whether this case falls under Clade 1 or Clade 2 will only be confirmed on 19 September.
Mpox is a zoonosis, a disease that is transmitted from animals to humans, with cases often found close to tropical rainforests where animals that carry the virus live.
The disease can also spread from humans to humans. It can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
Common symptoms of Mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last for 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
The WHO points out that Mpox spreads from person to person mainly through close contact with someone who has mpox, including members of a household.
Close contact includes skin-to-skin (such as touch or being physically intimate), mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact (such as kissing), and face-to-face with someone who has Mpox (such as talking or breathing close to one another, which can generate infectious respiratory particles).
Mpox is treated with supportive care for symptoms such as pain and fever, with close attention to nutrition, hydration, skin care, prevention of secondary infections and treatment of co-infections, including HIV, where present.
WHO has identified four groups who may be at high risk of Mpox
(Edited by Neena)
