Kerala has confirmed its second Mpox case within two weeks, as a 29-year-old man has tested positive and is currently under treatment in Kochi.

Health Minister Veena George stated on Friday that the patient, who recently arrived from abroad, exhibited symptoms of the viral infection.

He is in stable condition at a private hospital, and further tests are being conducted to identify the specific strain of the virus.

The first case was reported on September 18, involving a 38-year-old man from Edavanna, Malappuram district, who had returned from the UAE.

He tested positive for the ‘clade 1b’ variant, known for its high transmissibility and currently linked to outbreaks in Africa and other regions.

This was the first confirmed case of this particular variant in India. The patient is currently stable and receiving treatment at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Manjery.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a public health emergency in Africa in August due to the rapid spread of the ‘clade 1b’ variant, which began a global outbreak in 2022.

Mpox, caused by the Orthopoxvirus genus, spreads primarily through close contact and presents symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches.

In response to these cases, Kerala’s health department has increased surveillance and contact tracing efforts to prevent further transmission.

The health minister emphasized the importance of early detection and isolation in managing the outbreak.

Hospitals have been instructed to follow strict protocols for testing and treatment of suspected cases.

Public health officials urge people to maintain hygiene, avoid close contact with infected individuals, and adhere to guidelines issued by health authorities.