News Analysis India

Tag: Kerala monkeypox cases

  • India reports 9th monkeypox case as 31-year-old Nigerian woman tests positive in Delhi

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Delhi reported its fourth case of monkeypox on Wednesday with a 31-year-old Nigerian woman testing positive for the disease, official sources said.

    With this case, India’s tally of monkeypox infections has gone up to nine. She is the first woman in India to test positive for monkeypox.

    The woman has fever and skin lesions and is admitted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, sources said, adding her samples were sent for testing and the results came positive on Wednesday.

    There is no information about her travelling abroad recently, sources said.

    The first monkeypox patient in Delhi was discharged on Monday from the LNJP hospital.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern.

    According to the global health body, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis — a virus transmitted to humans from animals — with symptoms similar to smallpox although clinically less severe.

    ALSO READ | Check out the Health Ministry’s guidelines for battling monkeypox outbreak

    The disease typically manifests itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications.

    It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting for two to four weeks.

    The ‘Guidelines on Management of Monkeypox Disease’ issued by the Centre, stated that human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through large respiratory droplets generally requiring prolonged close contact.

    It can also be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or lesions, and indirect contact with lesion material such as through contaminated clothing or linen of an infected person.

    Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch of infected animals or through bush meat preparation.

    The incubation period is usually six to 13 days and the case fatality rate of monkeypox has historically ranged up to 11 per cent in the general population and higher among children.

    In recent times, the case fatality rate has been around three to six per cent.

    The symptoms include lesions which usually begin within one to three days from the onset of fever, lasting for around two to four weeks and are often described as painful until the healing phase when they become itchy.

    A notable predilection for palm and soles is characteristic of monkeypox, the guidelines stated.

    NEW DELHI: Delhi reported its fourth case of monkeypox on Wednesday with a 31-year-old Nigerian woman testing positive for the disease, official sources said.

    With this case, India’s tally of monkeypox infections has gone up to nine. She is the first woman in India to test positive for monkeypox.

    The woman has fever and skin lesions and is admitted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, sources said, adding her samples were sent for testing and the results came positive on Wednesday.

    There is no information about her travelling abroad recently, sources said.

    The first monkeypox patient in Delhi was discharged on Monday from the LNJP hospital.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern.

    According to the global health body, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis — a virus transmitted to humans from animals — with symptoms similar to smallpox although clinically less severe.

    ALSO READ | Check out the Health Ministry’s guidelines for battling monkeypox outbreak

    The disease typically manifests itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications.

    It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting for two to four weeks.

    The ‘Guidelines on Management of Monkeypox Disease’ issued by the Centre, stated that human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through large respiratory droplets generally requiring prolonged close contact.

    It can also be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or lesions, and indirect contact with lesion material such as through contaminated clothing or linen of an infected person.

    Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch of infected animals or through bush meat preparation.

    The incubation period is usually six to 13 days and the case fatality rate of monkeypox has historically ranged up to 11 per cent in the general population and higher among children.

    In recent times, the case fatality rate has been around three to six per cent.

    The symptoms include lesions which usually begin within one to three days from the onset of fever, lasting for around two to four weeks and are often described as painful until the healing phase when they become itchy.

    A notable predilection for palm and soles is characteristic of monkeypox, the guidelines stated.

  • ‘No need to fear monkeypox’: Mandaviya says Centre prepared to deal with it

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: As India recorded eighth monkeypox case, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday allayed concerns in the parliament, saying that the country was taking a step-by-step approach to tackle the viral disease and there was no need to fear the virus.

    On Tuesday, two monkeypox cases were reported – one each from Kerala and Delhi – taking the total number of monkeypox cases to eight in the country. Of the eight instances – five were from Kerala, all of whom had a history of travel from UAE, and three from Delhi with no travel history. Delhi’s first case, a 34-year-old man, was discharged from the hospital after he recovered on Tuesday. India on Monday confirmed its first monkeypox death, the first in Asia, of a 22-year-old man who had returned from UAE.

    Noting that the disease “is not new,” Dr Mandaviya said India is implementing the best learnings due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    ALSO READ | India’s eighth case: Another man tests positive for monkeypox in Delhi, city’s third

    “Monkeypox is not a new disease in India and the world. Since 1970, a lot of cases have been seen in the world from Africa. The WHO (World Health Organization) has paid special attention to this. Monitoring has started in India also,” he said.

    “When cases started appearing worldwide, India had already started preparations. Before the first case in Kerala, we had issued guidelines to all the states,” he said.

    He said when the first case in India was reported from Kerala on July 14, the centre on May 1,had given guidelines to all states, and not just for international airports, on surveillance mechanism and contact tracing, how to collect samples from suspected cases and sending it to recognised laboratories for testing.

    “We have written to the governments at the international level that the screening report of the travellers should also be sent to us,” the minister said.

    “There is no need to be scared of monkeypox. The centre with state governments has started awareness campaigns,” he added.

    Informing about the various steps taken to prevent the spread of the disease, he said India is developing testing kits and vaccines for monkeypox.

    The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has isolated the monkeypox virus. An expression of interest has been floated for research institutions, vaccine and diagnostic kits manufacturers in India to take the virus strain for further research to develop a vaccine in the country, he said, adding that it is being done the way it was done during Covid.

    ALSO READ | Current monkeypox symptoms different from previous outbreaks: BMJ study

    Giving details about the number of monkeypox cases, he said, “Till date, eight cases of the disease have been detected in India, out of which five have foreign travel history.”

    With the disease spreading only through close contacts, the minister said no specific community is at risk, and the government has taken up steps to create awareness about common symptoms, reporting of suspected cases and prevention from the disease.

    The centre has set up a task force led by NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul to monitor monkeypox. “Based on the observations of the task force, we will assess and study the further action to be taken. If the state government of Kerala needs help from the Central government, it will be given. Also, an expert central government team is guiding the state government from time to time,” he said.

    The virus, earlier confined mainly to Africa, has been reported in at least 78 countries since January. Over 22,000 cases have been reported globally, mainly in the US and Europe. The WHO on July 23 declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern.

    NEW DELHI: As India recorded eighth monkeypox case, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday allayed concerns in the parliament, saying that the country was taking a step-by-step approach to tackle the viral disease and there was no need to fear the virus.

    On Tuesday, two monkeypox cases were reported – one each from Kerala and Delhi – taking the total number of monkeypox cases to eight in the country. Of the eight instances – five were from Kerala, all of whom had a history of travel from UAE, and three from Delhi with no travel history. Delhi’s first case, a 34-year-old man, was discharged from the hospital after he recovered on Tuesday. India on Monday confirmed its first monkeypox death, the first in Asia, of a 22-year-old man who had returned from UAE.

    Noting that the disease “is not new,” Dr Mandaviya said India is implementing the best learnings due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    ALSO READ | India’s eighth case: Another man tests positive for monkeypox in Delhi, city’s third

    “Monkeypox is not a new disease in India and the world. Since 1970, a lot of cases have been seen in the world from Africa. The WHO (World Health Organization) has paid special attention to this. Monitoring has started in India also,” he said.

    “When cases started appearing worldwide, India had already started preparations. Before the first case in Kerala, we had issued guidelines to all the states,” he said.

    He said when the first case in India was reported from Kerala on July 14, the centre on May 1,had given guidelines to all states, and not just for international airports, on surveillance mechanism and contact tracing, how to collect samples from suspected cases and sending it to recognised laboratories for testing.

    “We have written to the governments at the international level that the screening report of the travellers should also be sent to us,” the minister said.

    “There is no need to be scared of monkeypox. The centre with state governments has started awareness campaigns,” he added.

    Informing about the various steps taken to prevent the spread of the disease, he said India is developing testing kits and vaccines for monkeypox.

    The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has isolated the monkeypox virus. An expression of interest has been floated for research institutions, vaccine and diagnostic kits manufacturers in India to take the virus strain for further research to develop a vaccine in the country, he said, adding that it is being done the way it was done during Covid.

    ALSO READ | Current monkeypox symptoms different from previous outbreaks: BMJ study

    Giving details about the number of monkeypox cases, he said, “Till date, eight cases of the disease have been detected in India, out of which five have foreign travel history.”

    With the disease spreading only through close contacts, the minister said no specific community is at risk, and the government has taken up steps to create awareness about common symptoms, reporting of suspected cases and prevention from the disease.

    The centre has set up a task force led by NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul to monitor monkeypox. “Based on the observations of the task force, we will assess and study the further action to be taken. If the state government of Kerala needs help from the Central government, it will be given. Also, an expert central government team is guiding the state government from time to time,” he said.

    The virus, earlier confined mainly to Africa, has been reported in at least 78 countries since January. Over 22,000 cases have been reported globally, mainly in the US and Europe. The WHO on July 23 declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern.

  • Monkeypox: Nigerian man in Delhi with no travel history tests positive, sixth case in country

    By Agencies

    NEW DELHI: A 35-year-old Nigerian man living in the national capital, with no recent international travel history, tests positive for monkeypox, said official sources on Monday.

    This is the sixth monkeypox case in India and the second case in Delhi.

    The patient is admitted to Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Hospital which comes under the government of Delhi.

    India has reported six monkeypox cases so far including four from Kerala and two from Delhi.

    The government of Kerala declared on Monday the first death due to monkeypox. A 22-year-old man who had tested positive for monkeypox in UAE arrived in India on July 22 and was admitted to a hospital on July 27 after again testing positive for monkeypox.

    “The situation is well under control, there’s no panic here as of now. The person had direct contact with only 10 people including family members and a few friends. 20 people quarantined so far,” said Renjini, Member, Education and Health standing committee.

    The Centre has formed a task force in the wake of monkeypox cases in India to monitor and provide guidance to the government on the expansion of diagnostic facilities and to explore vaccination for the infection in the country.

    The decision was taken during a meeting which was attended by Cabinet secretary, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, Additional Secretary (PMO) and other senior officials.

    ALSO READ | Kerala youth who returned from UAE is India’s first monkeypox victim

    “The team will be headed by Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog and members including Secretary, Union Health Ministry, Pharma and Biotech,” sources told ANI.

    Meanwhile, a contact list and route map of the deceased youth has been prepared. Contact persons are advised to undergo isolation.

    The central government is on an alert even as the count of infections in some other countries has risen.

    NITI Aayog’s member (Health) Dr V K Paul said that there is absolutely no need for any panic as the government has taken significant measures to keep the disease in check.

    In an interview with ANI, Dr Paul sought to assert that there was no need for any undue panic but added that it was still important that the country and the society stay vigilant.

    “There is no need to panic, as of now, but one must report in time if they spot any symptoms, he said.

    According to World Health Organization (WHO), more than 18,000 cases have been reported from 78 countries.

    “The monkeypox outbreak can be stopped if countries, communities and individuals inform themselves, take the risks seriously, and take the steps needed to stop transmission and protect vulnerable groups,” said Dr Tedros, Director General, WHO on Thursday.

    Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. The disease is endemic in regions like West and Central Africa but lately, cases have been reported from non-endemic countries too, according to the WHO.

    NEW DELHI: A 35-year-old Nigerian man living in the national capital, with no recent international travel history, tests positive for monkeypox, said official sources on Monday.

    This is the sixth monkeypox case in India and the second case in Delhi.

    The patient is admitted to Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Hospital which comes under the government of Delhi.

    India has reported six monkeypox cases so far including four from Kerala and two from Delhi.

    The government of Kerala declared on Monday the first death due to monkeypox. A 22-year-old man who had tested positive for monkeypox in UAE arrived in India on July 22 and was admitted to a hospital on July 27 after again testing positive for monkeypox.

    “The situation is well under control, there’s no panic here as of now. The person had direct contact with only 10 people including family members and a few friends. 20 people quarantined so far,” said Renjini, Member, Education and Health standing committee.

    The Centre has formed a task force in the wake of monkeypox cases in India to monitor and provide guidance to the government on the expansion of diagnostic facilities and to explore vaccination for the infection in the country.

    The decision was taken during a meeting which was attended by Cabinet secretary, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, Additional Secretary (PMO) and other senior officials.

    ALSO READ | Kerala youth who returned from UAE is India’s first monkeypox victim

    “The team will be headed by Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog and members including Secretary, Union Health Ministry, Pharma and Biotech,” sources told ANI.

    Meanwhile, a contact list and route map of the deceased youth has been prepared. Contact persons are advised to undergo isolation.

    The central government is on an alert even as the count of infections in some other countries has risen.

    NITI Aayog’s member (Health) Dr V K Paul said that there is absolutely no need for any panic as the government has taken significant measures to keep the disease in check.

    In an interview with ANI, Dr Paul sought to assert that there was no need for any undue panic but added that it was still important that the country and the society stay vigilant.

    “There is no need to panic, as of now, but one must report in time if they spot any symptoms, he said.

    According to World Health Organization (WHO), more than 18,000 cases have been reported from 78 countries.

    “The monkeypox outbreak can be stopped if countries, communities and individuals inform themselves, take the risks seriously, and take the steps needed to stop transmission and protect vulnerable groups,” said Dr Tedros, Director General, WHO on Thursday.

    Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. The disease is endemic in regions like West and Central Africa but lately, cases have been reported from non-endemic countries too, according to the WHO.

  • Centre forms task force to monitor monkeypox situation in India closely

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Centre has formed a task force on monkeypox to closely monitor the emerging situation in India and decide on response initiatives to tackle the spread of the disease, official sources said on Monday.

    The announcement from the Union Health Ministry came following samples of a 22-year-old man who died in Kerala last week and came out positive for monkeypox on Monday. The deceased had earlier tested positive for monkeypox in the UAE.

    So far, India has confirmed four monkeypox cases, three in Kerala and one in Delhi. Officials said two foreign nationals, who were detected with monkeypox symptoms, were kept in quarantine in Delhi hospital. The Delhi man, who has earlier tested positive for monkeypox in Delhi, is said to be stable.

    Officials said the decision to constitute the task force was taken at a high-level meeting held on July 26 at the level of the principal secretary to the prime minister.

    Dr V K Paul, NITI Aayog member (health) will head the task force.

    ALSO READ | Kerala youth who returned from UAE is India’s first monkeypox victim

    The National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in the Union Health Ministry have been asked to work on a targeted communication strategy to promote timely reporting, detection of cases and management of patients, officials said.

    Officials said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had been directed to operationalise its network of labs and make arrangements for requisite diagnostics of monkeypox disease.

    On July 23, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern. Globally, over 18,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported from 78 countries. WHO also clarified its earlier statement that the viral disease was detected among men who have sex with men, which triggered a hoax demonising the LGBTQ community by putting out a public health advisory, stating that the risk of monkeypox is not just limited to them.

    The union health ministry has undertaken several initiatives, which include strengthening health screening at Points of Entry and operationalisation of 15 laboratories under the ICMR to undertake tests for monkeypox disease, officials said.

    It also issued comprehensive guidelines in May on the disease covering both public health and clinical management aspects.

    Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis – a virus transmitted to humans from animals -with symptoms similar to smallpox, although clinically less severe. Monkeypox typically manifests with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to various medical complications. It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting two to four weeks.

    NEW DELHI: The Centre has formed a task force on monkeypox to closely monitor the emerging situation in India and decide on response initiatives to tackle the spread of the disease, official sources said on Monday.

    The announcement from the Union Health Ministry came following samples of a 22-year-old man who died in Kerala last week and came out positive for monkeypox on Monday. The deceased had earlier tested positive for monkeypox in the UAE.

    So far, India has confirmed four monkeypox cases, three in Kerala and one in Delhi. Officials said two foreign nationals, who were detected with monkeypox symptoms, were kept in quarantine in Delhi hospital. The Delhi man, who has earlier tested positive for monkeypox in Delhi, is said to be stable.

    Officials said the decision to constitute the task force was taken at a high-level meeting held on July 26 at the level of the principal secretary to the prime minister.

    Dr V K Paul, NITI Aayog member (health) will head the task force.

    ALSO READ | Kerala youth who returned from UAE is India’s first monkeypox victim

    The National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in the Union Health Ministry have been asked to work on a targeted communication strategy to promote timely reporting, detection of cases and management of patients, officials said.

    Officials said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had been directed to operationalise its network of labs and make arrangements for requisite diagnostics of monkeypox disease.

    On July 23, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern. Globally, over 18,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported from 78 countries. WHO also clarified its earlier statement that the viral disease was detected among men who have sex with men, which triggered a hoax demonising the LGBTQ community by putting out a public health advisory, stating that the risk of monkeypox is not just limited to them.

    The union health ministry has undertaken several initiatives, which include strengthening health screening at Points of Entry and operationalisation of 15 laboratories under the ICMR to undertake tests for monkeypox disease, officials said.

    It also issued comprehensive guidelines in May on the disease covering both public health and clinical management aspects.

    Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis – a virus transmitted to humans from animals -with symptoms similar to smallpox, although clinically less severe. Monkeypox typically manifests with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to various medical complications. It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting two to four weeks.