Mpox new case confirmed in Kerala

A mpox case was confirmed in Kerala's Malappuram on Wednesday, after a man who recently returned to the state from UAE tested positive for the virus.

According to Kerala Health Minister Veena George, the 38-year-old man is undergoing treatment in Malappuram.

She also shared a list of hospitals in the post and said, "Treatment and isolation facilities have been arranged in the following hospitals of the Health Department. Phone numbers of nodal officers have also been given."

Surveillance has been intensified at all airports in the state as per the central guidelines in view of the mpox cases, the Health Minister said.

Those arriving from countries where the disease has



been reported have been instructed to report at the airport if they develop any symptoms. Appropriate isolation, sample collection and treatment are being ensured, she said.

The minister said that all government and private hospitals should strictly follow the protocol.

This is the second case in India confirmed this year.

Earlier this month, a man, who travelled to India from a country, which is experiencing mpox transmission, tested positive.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the recent outbreak of the virus, which can spread through contact, as a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, after a new variant of the virus was identified.