THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has asked the state to be cautious since Mpox has been reported in some countries. Surveillance teams are in place at all airports in the state as per central guidelines, as Mpox has been reported in several countries including countries in Africa. Those arriving from countries where the disease has been reported should report any symptoms at the airport.

What is Mpox?

Mpox was originally a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans. However, it is a direct human-to-human disease now. Although less severe, Mpox symptoms resemble those of smallpox, an orthopoxvirus infection that was declared eradicated worldwide in 1980.

Disease transmission

The risk of infection is high by coming face-to-face with an infected person, direct skin-to-skin contact, sexual intercourse, touching bedding, clothing, not following safety standards, etc.

Symptoms

Initial symptoms include fever, severe headache, swelling of the sinuses, back pain, muscle pain, and lack of energy. Blisters and red spots start appearing on the body within a week of the onset of fever. Most blisters are found on the face and limbs. Apart from this, they are also found on the palms, genitals and eyes.

Preventive measures

Healthcare workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed viral infection and those handling infected person's secretions should take mandatory prescribed infection control precautions to avoid transmission.

A gown, N95 mask, gloves and goggles should be worn when transporting the patient in an ambulance. Along with this, the information should also be informed to the hospital where the patient is taken. The patient should wear N95 mask triple layer mask. If the patient has wounds, they should be covered with clothing. Ambulance and equipment should be disinfected after patient delivery. Patient-related items should be disposed of according to guidelines.