Thiruvananthapuram: Ernakulam has reported its first case of Mpox, marking the fourth case in the state. A 29-year-old man who arrived from the UAE on Sept 23 has tested positive for the virus. Since he was not keeping well, from the airport he went directly to a private hospital.
Meanwhile, a high-level meeting led by health minister Veena George was held on Friday to assess the situation. A list of those who had interacted with the patient has been prepared, and preventive measures were strengthened. Since the disease primarily spreads after the symptoms appear, it is crucial to be very careful to prevent it from spreading to others. Those coming from foreign countries should seek medical attention and inform the health department if they experience any symptoms. Isolation facilities have been set up in all districts, the minister stated.
The minister has instructed authorities concerned to prepare additional isolation facilities in all districts and to raise awareness at airports. Mpox do not spread through the air like Covid-19 or H1N1 influenza. The disease is mainly transmitted through close contact with an infected person, direct skin contact, sexual activity, kissing, or using the patient’s bed or clothes.
A meeting of dermatology experts was also held. With the cooperation of the IMA, a meeting, including physicians, paediatricians, and dermatologists who practice in the private sector will be convened.
At the meeting, the minister said special attention should be given to the elderly, children, and pregnant women. Field health workers should remain alert. A meeting of field health workers will be called soon to strengthen public health activities.
The initial symptoms of Mpox include fever, severe headache, swelling of lymph nodes, back pain, muscle pain, and fatigue. Within a week, rashes and red spots start to appear on the body, mainly on the face and limbs, and also on the palms and genitals.
Mpox affects those who come into close contact with infected individuals without following safety measures. Those handling the patients’ secretions have been told to follow recommended infection control precautions to avoid transmission.
