Mpox symptoms as killer disease outbreak spreads to India – Wales Online
Symptoms of mpox are being shared after India reported its first case of a new strain of the disease. A public health emergency alert has been triggered by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the country. Known as the clade 1b variant, it is believed to be highly-transmissible. The case involves a 38-year-old man in the southern state of Kerala, which marks South Asia’s first recorded case from the new strain. Health Ministry spokesperson, Manisha Verma, confirmed the strain after news agency, ANI, cited official sources as saying the mpox case reported in the Malappuram district of Kerala last week belonged to clade 1, Reuters reports.
The patient had travelled from the United Arab Emirates and had been admitted to the government medical college hospital in the district, Kerala authorities said last week. Around 29 friends and family members of the patient along with 37 passengers who were on board his flight are being monitored at home. So far, none of them have shown any mpox symptoms Malappuram district’s nodal officer, Dr. Shubin C, reports the news agency.
Mpox, the preferred term for monkeypox, is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus and can spread between people through close contact or contaminated surfaces. The signs and symptoms vary, including a rash lasting two to four weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen glands. The rash may appear in various areas including the face, hands, feet, and genital regions. Severe cases may entail larger lesions, secondary infections, and even complications affecting organs.
The World Health Organisation warns that mpox can result in severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations. Complications may lead to hospitalisation and even death in some cases. While supportive care can aid recovery, severe cases may require medical intervention. Understanding the symptoms and risks associated with mpox is crucial in responding effectively to outbreaks.
As the situation evolves in India with the emergence of this new strain, it is essential for health authorities and the public to remain vigilant and informed about the spread of mpox. Heightened awareness and proactive measures can help contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission of the disease. Stay updated on the latest developments regarding mpox to protect yourself and your community from this contagious illness.
(Article by Sophie Buchan – Wales Online)