40-Year-Old Man From Udupi Tested Positive For Monkeypox After Returning From Dubai

A 40-year-old man from Karkala taluk in Udupi district has been diagnosed with monkeypox after his return from Dubai. The diagnosis was confirmed by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune on January 22, following tests on his mpox samples. The man, who had been living in Dubai for 19 years, started experiencing symptoms upon his arrival at Mangaluru International Airport on January 17 and was immediately admitted to a private hospital in Mangaluru for isolation and treatment.

The man's mpox samples were initially referred to Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute before being sent to the NIV for confirmation. Health authorities, including Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, and Ansar Ahmed, Director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, have reassured the public, stating, "The patient is stable and does not have any serious complications. He is likely to be discharged shortly." This case has prompted health officials to advise heightened vigilance, particularly among individuals who have recently traveled to high-risk countries or have been in close contact with confirmed cases of mpox.

The patient's wife, a 36-year-old woman who received him at the airport, has been identified as a primary contact. Health officials have advised her to isolate herself for several days and monitor for any symptoms. While mpox is generally mild for most individuals, officials have recommended extra caution for immunocompromised patients or those with comorbidities.

Monkeypox typically presents with symptoms such as skin rashes, fever, headache, muscle aches, and chills. Health officials have advised the public not to panic but to seek testing if they exhibit these symptoms, especially if they have recently traveled to areas where the virus is prevalent or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with mpox. The treatment protocol includes medication for fever and body aches, antibiotics for secondary infections arising from the lesions or rashes, and ensuring adequate hydration, nutrition, and rest for the patient.

The disease primarily spreads through close and intimate contact, and according to health officials, its infectivity is not as high as that of COVID-19. As of now, the Government of India has not issued any advisories or special instructions regarding mandatory testing for travelers from other countries. This stance may change as the situation evolves, but for now, health authorities are focusing on monitoring and managing the current case to prevent further spread.