Price that was paid for lack of caution

The test result that the death of a twenty-two-year-old man who came to Thrissur from UAE was due to monkeypox has raised a new health threat to the country in general and Kerala in particular. Experts say that this disease, which the world sees with fear, is not so deadly compared to other infectious diseases. Even then, there are things to be afraid of. The fact that the country's first monkeypox death occurred in Kerala cannot be considered our fault. The reason is that the young man was diagnosed with the disease even before returning to Thrissur from the UAE. It must be assumed that the young man who came home did not understand the severity of the disease. He was interacting freely with his friends, family and acquaintances. He reached the hospital on July 27 when the disease was in a critical stage. The disease worsened and he died on the 30th. The sample was then sent to Alappuzha Virology Lab for diagnosis. The examination revealed that the young man was suffering from monkeypox. 22 people, including family members who had close contact with the young man and others who were in contact with him, are now under the observation of the health department. So far, there is no indication that anyone has been infected.

Wherever there is an infectious like this in the world, it is said that our state should be extremely careful because Malayalis are there around the globe. Many Malayalis are constantly travelling for work, business purposes, study, world travel, etc. This makes it possible for infectious diseases to spread easily. If the results of the test done by the Thrissur youth in the UAE had been informed to the authorities immediately after returning to the state, the health department would have taken appropriate steps. This young man has committed a serious mistake to the society and himself by hiding the information about his illness. It can be said that during the Covid period, the strict inspection systems introduced by the government at the airports prevented the transmission of the disease to a certain extent. Now that the threat of Covid is over, there are no such tests anywhere in the country. When the monkeypox menace broke out again, alert was issued but no special measures were put in place at the airports. Those who have even the slightest suspicion of having the disease should avoid travelling as much as possible. Or if the journey is necessary, at least show the prudence to be admitted to the hospital immediately after landing. It is a responsibility not only to the society but also to one's own family and relatives. Monkeypox has now been confirmed in more than sixty countries worldwide. The virus does not present any health threat created by Covid as it can be treated and cured even if the disease is contracted. The death rate of monkeypox is not alarming. However, the disease shouldn't be taken lightly. Any infectious disease is a threat to the world. Such a health emergency is definitely a big challenge for Kerala as lakhs of Malayalis are expatriates.