Lagatar24 Desk
Kozhikode: Another suspected case of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) has been reported in India. A 38-year-old man from Malappuram, Kerala, who recently returned from the UAE, has been admitted to the state-run Manjeri Medical College Hospital after showing symptoms of the virus. The man has been placed in isolation, and samples have been sent to Kozhikode Medical College for testing.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed the incident, stating, “The patient has been isolated at home before being admitted to the hospital. We are currently awaiting the test results to confirm if the case is Mpox.” The tests will also determine the strain of the virus.
Delhi Confirms Case; Malaysia Reports New Infection
This report comes shortly after a confirmed Mpox case was identified in Delhi. The Delhi patient, a 26-year-old man from Haryana, tested positive for Mpox after returning from abroad. Meanwhile, Malaysia has also reported a new case of Mpox. According to Malaysian health authorities, the infection, caused by a less severe strain of the virus, was detected in a man who showed symptoms of fever, sore throat, and a rash.
Global Mpox Strain Overview
Mpox is caused by two main viral clades: clade I (subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (subclades IIa and IIb). The global Mpox outbreak between 2022 and 2023 was linked to the highly transmissible clade IIb strain. Common symptoms of Mpox include skin rashes, mucosal lesions, fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
Transmission and Risks
Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person, contaminated surfaces, or infected animals. Pregnant women are at higher risk as the virus can be passed to the fetus or the newborn during or after birth.