Thiruvananthapuram: After confirming the presence of mpox in Kerala, Health Minister Veena George has urged the public to remain vigilant. The disease was detected in a 38-year-old individual from Malappuram on September 18. He had returned to the district from Dubai a week earlier.
Surveillance at all airports in the state has been intensified, adhering to central guidelines, in light of reports of mpox cases in several countries, including those in Africa.
Passengers arriving from countries with confirmed cases of mpox have been advised to report any symptoms upon arrival at the airport. The minister emphasized that all government and private hospitals in the state must strictly adhere to mpox protocols.
What is Mpox?
Originally, mpox was a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans. However, it has now evolved to spread directly between humans. Though less severe, mpox exhibits symptoms similar to smallpox, a viral infection that was globally eradicated in 1980.
Mode of Transmission
Unlike Covid or H1N1 influenza, mpox does not spread through the air. The virus is transmitted through close contact with an infected person, direct skin contact, sexual activity, or shared items like bedding or clothing, especially when safety precautions are not followed.
Symptoms
Initial symptoms include fever, severe headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, and fatigue. Within a week of the fever, rashes and red spots begin to appear on the body. These rashes typically occur on the face and limbs but may also appear on the palms, genitals, and eyes.
Prevention
Mpox primarily spreads to those who closely interact with infected individuals without adhering to recommended safety guidelines. Healthcare workers caring for suspected or confirmed mpox patients, as well as those handling contaminated materials, must strictly follow the prescribed infection control measures to prevent the virus from spreading.
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