THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state has confirmed its first —and India’s second—case of monkeypox (mpox) this year in a 38-year-old man from Edavanna in Malappuram. Following the confirmation, Health Minister Veena George has advised the public to exercise caution and announced a list of hospitals equipped for treatment and isolation in each district.

Mpox infections are generally self-limiting, lasting between two and four weeks, and its patients usually recover with supportive medical care and management. It is transmitted through prolonged and close contact with an infected patient.

Kerala has reported India's second confirmed case of Mpox (monkeypox) as of Wednesday. The patient, a 38-year-old man from Malappuram, tested positive for the virus after returning from the United Arab Emirates.

The patient, who arrived in Kerala a few days ago, was initially admitted to a private hospital and later transferred to Manjeri Medical College after doctors suspected monkeypox.

The Bengaluru airport has begun mandatory testing for all international passengers. This precautionary measure comes after the case was detected in Delhi earlier this week, prompting authorities to act swiftly to prevent the spread of the virus.