Fifth case of monkeypox reported in Rajasthan, samples of 20-year-old sent for testing

JAIPUR: Rajasthan has reported the first case of monkeypox, hinting that the disease is spreading to more states in the country. The 20-year-old who showed symptoms of the disease has been admitted to a government hospital. The samples of the youth have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune, Dr Ajit Singh, Superintendent of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, said.

The youth has been admitted in a special ward for observation. He is having fever for the past four days. Some rashes were also seen on his body.

The first case of monkey pox was confirmed in Kerala. The disease was first noticed on a youth, a native of Kollam who came from the UAE. Then one case each was reported in Thrissur and Malappuram. So far four cases were confirmed in Kerala and one in Delhi.

Meantime, the first monkeypox death in the country was confirmed in Thrissur. The test conducted at the virology lab in Pune confirmed the death of the 22-year old of Chavakkad Punnayur panchayat. 21 people in his contact list have been isolated at home. None of them have any symptoms, said Minister K Rajan. The youth confirmed of the disease in UAE, reached Kerala on July 21 and sought treatment only on July 27 when his condition worsened.

The youth died on July 30th. After reaching his hometown, he had played football with his friends. This has panicked the people of the area. However, no one has showed any symptoms and there is no need of a concern, said the authorities of the health department.