First Mpox Case Reported in Kerala: 9-Year-Old Tests Positive as India Strengthens Disease Control Measures

A 9-year-old boy in Ernakulam, Kerala, has tested positive for Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), marking the state’s first case of the virus in a child. This news comes as the Indian government reinforces its advisory to states and Union Territories (UTs) to curb the spread of the virus, following several cases nationwide.

The infected boy reportedly showed symptoms such as fever and rashes before seeking medical attention. After an initial assessment, his samples were sent to a local laboratory, where the diagnosis was confirmed. The boy is currently in stable condition and being treated in isolation, according to health authorities.

This case underscores the growing need for vigilant monitoring and proactive measures across India, especially in Kerala, where health officials have taken swift action.

Government Issues Advisory to Strengthen Mpox Control

The Indian government, through Health Secretary Apurva Chandra, issued an urgent advisory to all states and UTs to implement key public health measures aimed at containing the spread of Mpox. This follows India’s recent identification of clade 1b of the Mpox virus, one of the more virulent and transmissible strains, marking the country as the third non-African nation to report this variant.

Awareness and Education as Primary Tools

The advisory highlights the critical need for widespread public education. Communities are urged to be informed about the transmission methods and symptoms of Mpox, which include fever, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, and eventually, rashes that appear on the face, hands, and genitals.

States and UTs have been instructed to launch campaigns to ensure the public is aware of the disease and the importance of timely reporting. As Kerala’s case demonstrates, early isolation of suspected cases is pivotal in containing potential outbreaks.

• Key transmission methods include direct contact with infected persons, skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact, or sharing personal items like bedding or clothing.
• Mpox is not airborne like COVID-19 or influenza, but close contact remains a significant risk factor.

Isolation and Testing Protocols

The advisory stresses the need for immediate isolation of suspected Mpox cases. Hospitals are instructed to set up adequate isolation facilities to manage both suspected and confirmed cases. Furthermore, all suspected cases must undergo testing, with samples sent to designated laboratories for PCR testing and genome sequencing.

Importance of Timely Reporting

Delays in reporting suspected Mpox cases can worsen the spread of the virus. Health Secretary Chandra’s advisory emphasizes the necessity of prompt communication between healthcare facilities and public health authorities to facilitate faster response times.

The Kerala government, in particular, has responded by convening a high-level meeting led by Health Minister Veena George. She has directed health officials to assess preparedness across all districts, particularly at airports, to screen incoming travelers.

Mpox in Kerala: Measures Taken by the State

Following the confirmed Mpox case, Kerala’s health ministry has taken proactive steps to curb the spread of the virus. Health Minister Veena George announced that additional isolation facilities will be set up across all districts. Public health teams have also been instructed to stay vigilant, with special attention given to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

The state government is focusing on:

• Enhancing public health infrastructure.
• Conducting reviews of preparedness at district levels.
• Encouraging those traveling from foreign countries to report symptoms immediately.

World Health Organization Declares Mpox a Global Concern

The global public health community has raised the alarm over Mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This marks the second time the WHO has given Mpox this status, underscoring the potential global health risks posed by the disease.

India’s advisory aligns with WHO guidelines, particularly concerning the detection and management of the more severe clade I of the virus, which is more virulent than clade II. India has been diligent in sending samples from positive cases to the ICMR-National Institute of Virology for genome sequencing to ensure the country is prepared for any mutations or shifts in the virus’s behavior.

Mpox Symptoms and Transmission

Mpox often begins with flu-like symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Severe headaches
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fatigue

Within several days, infected individuals typically develop a rash, first on the face and limbs, before spreading to other parts of the body. The rash can also affect the palms and genitals.

Transmission occurs through close contact with an infected person, including direct skin contact, sharing personal items, or through contact with bodily fluids. Although not airborne, the virus can be spread through prolonged face-to-face contact or through respiratory droplets in cases of very close proximity.

Kerala’s Comprehensive Response

Kerala has demonstrated an immediate and robust response to this new case, building on its experience managing past public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. With isolation facilities already set up and additional ones being prepared, the state aims to mitigate any further spread of the disease.

The state’s focus on awareness campaigns is vital to this effort. As part of their strategy, Kerala is working with dermatology experts and field health workers to ensure the public receives accurate information about the virus. A special emphasis has been placed on screening incoming travelers and providing guidelines for early detection.

National Outlook on Mpox Prevention

As Mpox cases continue to surface globally, India’s preventive measures will likely serve as a model for other regions grappling with the virus. The health ministry’s advisory provides clear instructions for states and UTs to bolster their diagnostic capabilities and public health infrastructure.

With 36 ICMR-supported laboratories and PCR kits available nationwide, India is well-equipped for early detection. Furthermore, hospitals are urged to assess their readiness regularly, ensuring that trained staff, logistics, and resources are available for isolation and treatment.