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.

A 38-year-old man undergoing treatment in Malappuram district was detected with Mpox infection, the state health department said.

Kerala reported a confirmed case of monkeypox (Mpox) on Wednesday, marking the second known such case of infection in the country following the recent global outbreak of the disease.

India on Wednesday confirmed its second Mpox or monkeypox case in a 38-year-old man in Kerala's Malappuram. The patient, who recently returned from the Gulf, is under treatment in line with established medical protocols, Kerala health Minister Veena George said in a post on Facebook.

Kerala has reported a suspected case of monkeypox after a man from abroad showed symptoms of the contagious disease.

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.

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.