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Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 19: Kerala has reported its second Mpox case, with a Kannur resident testing positive for the virus on Wednesday. The state, already on high alert after the first case was detected last week, has intensified its public health response to contain the outbreak.
State Health Minister Veena George has urged all individuals who have had direct contact with the two confirmed cases and are exhibiting symptoms to immediately reach out to health authorities.
The first Mpox case was confirmed last week in a resident of Wayanad who had recently returned from the UAE. The second case involves another UAE returnee, this time from Kannur. Both patients are currently in isolation at the state-run Medical College Hospital in Kannur.
In response to the cases, an emergency meeting of the Rapid Response Team was convened under Minister George’s instructions. The team has been tasked with preparing a detailed route map of the infected individuals to trace and monitor all potential contacts.
“Everyone who has had direct contact with the confirmed cases must remain under observation for 21 days. Airports have been instructed to ensure that travelers report any health concerns immediately upon arrival so that appropriate checks can be conducted,” said Minister George.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern due to its global prevalence, particularly in parts of Africa. Unlike airborne diseases such as COVID-19 or H1N1, Mpox spreads primarily through direct physical contact with an infected person, including touch and sexual activity.
Health authorities have issued stringent guidelines to prevent further transmission. Caregivers of infected individuals are required to use protective equipment, including N95 masks, gloves, goggles, and gowns, while patients must wear a triple-layer mask, and any wounds should be adequately covered. Additionally, ambulances and equipment must be disinfected after use, and all patient-related items should be disposed of following established protocols.
This is the second Mpox outbreak in Kerala in recent years, with the state reporting a previous case in 2022.
Health officials have reiterated the importance of vigilance and strict adherence to safety measures to prevent a larger outbreak.
