A young male patient, who recently travelled from a country currently experiencing Mpox (monkeypox) transmission, has been identified as a suspect case of Mpox. The patient has been isolated in a designated hospital and is currently stable, the Union Health Ministry informed in a statement issued on Sunday.
Samples from the patient are being tested to confirm the presence of Mpox. The case is being managed in line with established protocols, and contact tracing is ongoing to identify potential sources and assess the impact within the country.
The development of this case is consistent with the earlier risk assessment conducted by the NCDC and there is no cause of any undue concern. The country is fully prepared to deal with such isolated travel related case and has robust measures in place to manage and mitigate any potential risk.
Mpox, a viral infection related to smallpox, has seen outbreaks in various parts of the world, prompting health officials to raise awareness about symptoms, transmission, and preventive measures. Health authorities have reiterated the importance of early detection and prompt isolation to prevent further spread of the virus.
What is Mpox?
As per World Health organization (WHO), the monkeypox virus is an orthopoxvirus that causes Mpox (monkeypox), a disease with symptoms similar to smallpox, although less severe. While smallpox was eradicated in 1980, Mpox continues to occur in countries of central and west Africa. Since May 2022, cases have also been reported from countries without previously documented Mpox transmission outside the African region.
Mode of Spreading
Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person, including direct contact with their skin lesions or body fluids. It can also spread via respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interactions or contact with contaminated objects like clothing or bedding.
Symptoms
Fever, Headache, Muscle aches, Swollen lymph nodes, Chills, Fatigue, Rash. The usual appearance of symptoms begin from the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, forming pustules that later scab over.
Prevention
Avoid close contact with anyone who has a rash or is suspected of having Mpox, Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer, use personal protective equipment when caring for infected individuals.
