Mpox Resurfaces in Kerala: Second Case Confirmed in 29-Year-Old Man

Kochi, Kerala: The state of Kerala has confirmed its second case of Mpox (Monkeypox) after a 29-year-old man tested positive for the virus. The patient, who recently returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kochi, as per the latest update from Kerala Health Minister Veena George. The man is reported to be in stable condition.

This marks the second confirmed Mpox case in Kerala in recent weeks, following the first case in Malappuram, where a 38-year-old man, also with a travel history to the UAE, tested positive for the virus. The Health Minister has reassured the public that strict monitoring and containment measures are being implemented to prevent further spread.

What is Mpox and How Does It Spread?

Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is a member of the same family as smallpox. The disease is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected persons or contaminated surfaces, and occasionally, through interactions with infected animals such as small rodents and monkeys. Human-to-human transmission occurs through close skin-to-skin contact or exposure to respiratory droplets during face-to-face interactions like talking or kissing.

The virus can cause a characteristic rash, along with fever, muscle aches, back pain, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, patients may experience painful inflammation of the genitals or rectum, making it difficult to urinate.

Mpox in India: A Growing Concern

India’s first Mpox case in Kerala has already prompted public health measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the strain of the virus found in Kerala as a public health emergency. Earlier this month, a 26-year-old resident of Haryana’s Hisar district also tested positive for the less severe West African Clade 2 strain.

Symptoms and Precautions: What to Look Out For

Common symptoms of Mpox include:

• Rash: Often resembling blisters or sores, it can appear on the face, hands, feet, and genital areas.
• Fever, muscle pain, and headaches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Proctitis (inflammation of the rectum) in severe cases

Is Mpox Airborne?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mpox does not spread through airborne transmission like COVID-19. Therefore, sitting next to an infected person on a flight does not typically pose a high exposure risk. Instead, the virus spreads through direct contact with the rash, body fluids, or respiratory droplets of an infected person.

Current Treatment and Care

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment available for Mpox. Symptom management, pain relief, and prevention of secondary infections are the primary approaches. Most individuals with healthy immune systems and no underlying skin conditions recover within 2 to 4 weeks with supportive care.

Stay informed and follow updates to protect yourself and your community from the spread of Mpox.