Bengaluru: Victoria Hospital Reports First Suspected Monkeypox Case

Late Wednesday night in Bengaluru, a 40-year-old man who had recently traveled to Dubai presented symptoms suggestive of monkeypox, marking a potentially first-of-its-kind case in Karnataka for the year 2025. He is currently receiving care at Victoria Hospital. This situation has prompted further medical examinations to ascertain whether this is indeed a case of monkeypox, according to a report by the Deccan Herald.

Monkeypox, now termed Mpox, is a contagious viral infection belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus, with no known vaccine or specific treatment available to date. Transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva and sweat, or objects contaminated by an infected individual. Symptoms typically include swollen lymph nodes, high fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, and can severely affect the skin and respiratory tract. In more severe cases, the virus can impact the nervous system and brain cells.

The global concern over monkeypox escalated following its spread beyond African nations, where instances of the virus saw a significant increase last year. Countries like Pakistan and Thailand also reported cases, contributing to the alarm. Recognizing the threat it posed, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern' in August 2024. India's first encounter with the virus was documented in September 2024, with Kerala reporting two cases just last month.

The recent case in Bengaluru underscores the ongoing vigilance required to combat this disease. "Till now, there is no vaccine or recommended medicine for this disease," highlights the urgent need for symptom-based treatment and preventive measures against the virus. The potential impact of monkeypox on the nervous system further emphasizes the seriousness of this health threat.

Monkeypox's designation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO in August 2024, coupled with its first identification in India in September of the same year, indicates the virus's expanding geographical reach and the critical need for global health surveillance and response. The discovery of cases in Kerala last month and the current suspected case in Karnataka highlight the virus's persistent presence and the importance of ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate its spread.