The Kerala health department has issued an alert following the recent global outbreak of mpox, which was declared a public health emergency last week. In response to central government guidelines, surveillance teams have been stationed at all airports in the state.
The state had previously issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) following a case of mpox in 2022, ensuring appropriate measures for isolation, sample collection, and treatment if cases are detected.
All government and private hospitals have been instructed to adhere to this SOP if patients exhibit symptoms.
WHAT IS MPOX?
Mpox, initially a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, has now evolved into a disease spread by direct human-to-human contact. Although less severe, the symptoms of Mpox resemble those of smallpox, a virus that was declared eradicated worldwide in 1980.
TRANSMISSION OF DISEASE
Unlike airborne diseases such as Covid-19 or H1N1 influenza, Mpox is transmitted primarily through direct contact. The risk of infection is highest during face-to-face interactions with an infected person, direct skin-to-skin contact, sexual intercourse, and through contact with contaminated bedding or clothing.
SYMPTOMS
Early symptoms of Mpox include fever, severe headache, sinus swelling, back pain, muscle pain, and fatigue. Within a week of the onset of fever, blisters and red spots appear on the body, particularly on the face and hands. These blisters may also appear on the palms, genitals, and eyes.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Individuals who come into close contact with infected persons without following recommended safety precautions are at high risk of contracting Mpox. Healthcare workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Mpox must follow prescribed infection control measures to prevent transmission.
When transporting an infected patient, healthcare workers should wear a gown, N95 mask, gloves, and goggles. The patient should also wear an N95 mask, and any wounds should be covered with clothing. After transport, the ambulance and equipment must be disinfected, and any patient-related items should be disposed of according to the guidelines.
