Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George has urged people who have been in contact with Mpox patients to inform the health department if they experience symptoms. Following the confirmation of the disease in a Wayanad native who arrived from the UAE, preventive measures have been intensified. Meanwhile, Mpox has also been confirmed in a Kannur native who came from the UAE. Both are undergoing treatment at Kannur Pariyaram Medical College. Their travel routes will be published soon. 

The minister has also directed the arrangement of additional isolation facilities.A state-level Rapid Response Team (RRT) meeting, led by Minister Veena George, assessed the situation. “Mpox requires close attention. The disease spreads only after symptoms manifest. Anyone in contact with an infected person should remain vigilant for 21 days. People arriving from foreign countries showing symptoms of Mpox must remain in isolation and inform the health department. Awareness measures have been strengthened, including at airports”, said Minister.

Unlike COVID-19 or H1N1 influenza, Mpox does not spread through the air. It is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person's skin, close face-to-face interactions, sexual contact or through contaminated items such as bedding and clothing, especially when safety protocols are ignored. Special care should be taken for older adults, children and pregnant women, according to the health minister.

The early symptoms include fever, severe headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle pain and fatigue. Within a week of fever onset, rashes and red spots start to appear on the body, predominantly on the face, hands, and legs. These may also appear on the palms, genitals and eyes. Mpox primarily affects individuals who closely interact with infected persons without following the recommended safety measures.

The minister has directed the state advisory council to convene a meeting and strengthen preventive efforts.