Alappuzha: A person who recently returned from abroad is receiving treatment at Alappuzha Medical College for symptoms suspected to be Mpox. The patient's family is currently in quarantine as they await test results, which are expected by Monday.

Recently, a man in Malappuram was tested positive for Mpox. Health Minister Veena George has advised that anyone arriving in the state from other countries or other states should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any symptoms.

To support this, the government has released a list of hospitals that provide treatment and isolation facilities, along with contact information for nodal officers. The minister also assured that all medical colleges are prepared with the necessary treatment facilities for patients.

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What is Mpox?

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection similar to human smallpox. It was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research. The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. The disease occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.

Symptoms

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), monkeypox typically presents itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. The disease is usually self-limiting with the symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Severe cases can occur. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has been around 3-6 per cent but can be up to 10 per cent. There are no reported deaths in this current spread.

Transmission

Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. It's thought to be spread by rodents such as rats, mice and squirrels, WHO said.

The disease is transmitted through lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. The virus is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness, it said.

Health officials have noted some of these infections may be transmitted through sexual contact. The WHO said it was also investigating many cases being of people identifying as gay or bisexual.