A total of 32,407 cases of monkeypox, including 6,441 confirmed cases and 840 deaths, have been reported across the African continent since the start of this year, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
M pox is a viral disease primarily found in monkeys and other wild animals, though it can occasionally spread to humans. Human transmission typically occurs accidentally, usually through direct contact with an infected animal. The disease is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox, but generally results in a milder infection.
A 38-year-old youth from Edavanna in Kerala’s Malappuram district, who showed symptoms of Mpox, has been put under observation at the Manjeri Medical College hospital.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of the Mpox virus of the West African ‘clade 2’ in the patient.
The Central government on Monday issued an advisory to the States and Union Territories (UTs) over the Mpox (monkeypox), calling upon for the screening and testing of all the suspect cases of the viral disease.
Kenya's Ministry of Health on Saturday confirmed a fourth case of monkeypox in the country as the incidence of the disease rises.
Thailand has tightened efforts to monitor all individuals infected with monkeypox (mpox) and their close contacts, ensuring that they are under strict surveillance to prevent further spread of the disease, health officials said on Thursday.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda on Saturday reviewed the preparedness for Monkeypox, days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Mpox infections have spread across 13 African countries, including Congo, where 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported, the WHO said.
Monkeypox, also called mpox, is a rare viral disease which is mainly transmitted to humans from animals. It's symptoms resemble, but are generally less severe than, smallpox.
