THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state has confirmed its first —and India’s second—case of monkeypox (mpox) this year in a 38-year-old man from Edavanna in Malappuram. Following the confirmation, Health Minister Veena George has advised the public to exercise caution and announced a list of hospitals equipped for treatment and isolation in each district.

Mpox infections are generally self-limiting, lasting between two and four weeks, and its patients usually recover with supportive medical care and management. It is transmitted through prolonged and close contact with an infected patient.

Kerala has reported India's second confirmed case of Mpox (monkeypox) as of Wednesday. The patient, a 38-year-old man from Malappuram, tested positive for the virus after returning from the United Arab Emirates.

The patient, who arrived in Kerala a few days ago, was initially admitted to a private hospital and later transferred to Manjeri Medical College after doctors suspected monkeypox.

Kerala Health Minister confirms mpox infection in man from UAE, urges early treatment for people returning from abroad.

A 38-year-old man who arrived in Kerala from Dubai last week tested positive for Mpox on Wednesday, health minister Veena George said on Wednesday.

The youth, who returned from Dubai last week, approached Manjeri Medical College Hospital with fever and rashes on his hands on Monday.

State government has requested people, including those coming from abroad, to seek treatment if they have Mpox symptoms

George had on Tuesday said that the man on noticing the symptoms had taken precautionary measures by isolating himself from his family and was currently hospitalised in the Manjeri Medical College.

State Health Minister Veena George confirmed on Wednesday that samples collected from the patient were tested at the virology lab at the government medical college hospital in Kozhikode.