Suspected case of monkeypox reported in Kerala

Samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology, says Health Minister

An international traveller, who is suspected to have developed symptoms of monkeypox, is under isolation and treatment in Kerala.

Health Minister, Veena George, said here on Thursday, July 14, 2022, that the individual, who reached Kerala from UAE four days ago, subjected himself to treatment after a close contact of his in UAE was confirmed to have contracted monkey pox.

Ms. George said that samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune for confirmation. Results were expected by evening on Thursday.

Ms. George declined to disclose more details about the patient or where he has been isolated. She added that the person’s family is also kept under close observation.

“Treatment is symptomatic and there is no reason for triggering any panic as the infection, unlike COVID-19, spreads only through close contact,’” she said.

Also read: Monkeypox virus mutates at a higher rate

However, the Health department, since the last week of May, had been on a general alert against the disease as monkeypox was reported to be spreading fast across Europe and the U.S through international travel.