Kerala Man Tests Positive For Monkeypox After Returning From UAE

A 38-year-old man in Kerala’s Malappuram district has tested positive for monkeypox (Mpox), the state Health Department confirmed on Wednesday. The individual, who had recently returned to Kerala from the UAE, was already undergoing treatment at a local hospital after showing symptoms consistent with the virus.

In a statement shared via social media, Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George said the man had acted swiftly upon noticing early symptoms, isolating himself from his family to prevent potential spread. He is currently receiving treatment at Manjeri Medical College in Malappuram. The minister emphasised the importance of early detection and treatment, urging people, especially those traveling from abroad, to be vigilant about any symptoms they may experience and to report to healthcare providers promptly.

Monkeypox is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus, and is closely related to the smallpox virus. The virus was first discovered in 1958, with human cases reported in 1970. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are two main clades of the virus, with the clade IIb variant being the one that sparked a global outbreak in 2022. This outbreak is ongoing, with cases continuing to surface worldwide.

The virus is primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact or exposure to bodily fluids. It can also spread through contaminated materials, such as bedding or clothing used by an infected individual. Common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that often develops after the initial flu-like symptoms. In some cases, patients may experience more severe complications, though most recover within weeks.

The Kerala Health Department has heightened surveillance in the region and is closely monitoring those who have met the infected individual. Public health authorities are also urging travelers returning from monkeypox-affected countries to report any symptoms, even mild ones, to healthcare facilities immediately.

The state government has implemented measures to prevent further spread of the virus, including isolation protocols for suspected cases and increased testing. Health officials have reiterated that early detection and isolation remain critical in managing the infection and minimising community transmission.

India has seen sporadic cases of monkeypox since the global outbreak began, and Kerala remains vigilant in its public health response.