Karnataka's first Mpox Case: Dubai returnee tests positive, health officials urge calm amid rising concerns

Karnataka News: A case of MPox has emerged in Karnataka, marking a significant health concern as a 40-year-old man who recently returned from Dubai tested positive for the virus, according to health officials on Thursday. This incident represents the first reported case of Monkeypox in the state this year.

Confirmation of the Case

The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune confirmed the Monkeypox case on January 22, 2025. The patient, a resident of Karkala in Udupi district, had been living in Dubai for the past 19 years and arrived in Mangaluru on January 17, 2025. Upon his return, he displayed symptoms including rashes and a history of fever two days prior to testing.

Health Department Response

Following his arrival, the individual was promptly isolated in a private hospital. His samples were sent to Bangalore Medical College and subsequently to NIV for confirmation. Fortunately, the patient is reported to be stable and is expected to be discharged soon.In response to this case, health officials have urged the public not to panic due to the mild nature of Monkeypox and its lower infectivity compared to other diseases.

They advised vigilance regarding common symptoms associated with MPox, which include skin rashes, fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, sweating, sore throat, and cough. Individuals with recent travel history to high-risk countries or close contact with infected persons should seek testing.

Vaccination and Symptoms

While there is a vaccine available for M-Pox primarily recommended for high-risk populations such as healthcare workers, the Government of India currently does not advise widespread vaccination due to the low number of cases detected so far.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms of Mpox can manifest within 1 to 21 days after exposure. Initial symptoms typically include fever, intense headaches, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, and fatigue. The rash associated with Mpox evolves from flat macules to raised papules and can lead to scabs that may leave scars.

Prevention and Care

Preventing and controlling Mpox relies heavily on community awareness and education among healthcare workers. Vaccination is recommended for those at high risk, including close contacts of infected individuals. The public is advised to avoid close contact with infected persons or contaminated materials and utilize personal protective equipment when caring for sick individuals.The health department has reiterated that while this case is concerning, it does not warrant panic due to the disease's mild nature and lower transmission rates.