Two persons from Kerala, including a 26-year-old man from Wayanad and another from Thalassery, have been admitted to Government Medical College Hospital, Kannur, after being diagnosed with mpox.
Health authorities confirmed that both patients were stable and their routes were under investigation.
Health Minister Veena George urged those who had come in contact with the patients to report any symptoms to the Health department immediately. She emphasised the need for heightened vigil and announced plans to enhance isolation facilities across the State. The State-level Rapid Response Team convened to assess the situation and strengthen preventive measures.
Both of them had returned from the UAE and tested positive for mpox. They are undrgoing treatment at the MCH.
Ms. George confirmed that awareness campaigns had been bolstered, particularly at airports, to contain the disease’s spread.
Via direct contact
Mpox, unlike airborne diseases such as COVID-19 or H1N1, spreads primarily through direct contact with infected individuals, their bedding, or clothing. The virus is especially dangerous for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, joint swelling, back and muscle pain, and fatigue, followed by blister-like rashes predominantly on the face, limbs, palms, and genitals.
The Health Minister reiterated the importance of isolation for individuals arriving from foreign countries with symptoms and advised observation for 21 days post-contact with infected persons. Preventive measures include strict hygiene practices and safety precautions.
Mumps vaccine
The Minister further said that the Union government had been requested again to provide the mumps vaccine. Children infected with mumps should not be sent to school. The Minister has directed the State Advisory Meeting to strengthen preventive measures.
Published - December 18, 2024 08:10 pm IST
