Thiruvananthapuram: India’s first case of monkeypox was reported from Kerala on Thursday.
The state’s Health minister Veena George informed newspersons that a traveller from the UAE, who arrived at Thiruvananthapuram airport on July 12, showed symptoms of monkeypox and has been admitted to a hospital.
His samples have been sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for confirmation of presence of the virus.
“All steps are being taken as per the guidelines issued by WHO and ICMR,” the minister said, adding that the person has been isolated and kept under close observation.
“There is no need to panic. Experts said treatment is symptomatic and it spreads through close contact of the infected. We will get a clear picture after NIV examination,” she stated.
On a positive note, the person did not come into contact with too many people after arrival in Kerala.
The Union Health ministry will deploy a multi-disciplinary Central team to support the Kerala government in probing the outbreak and instituting requisite health measures.
Monkeypox virus mutates at a quick rate, but is treatable. The infection usually starts with fever, headache and flu, but some patients develop red lesions on the body and itchiness like chicken pox.
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