Bengaluru: A 40-year-old man from Karkala in Udupi district, who worked in Dubai and returned on Jan 17, tested positive for monkeypox (Mpox) on Wednesday. This is the first case of Mpox reported in the state this year.
Sources in the health department said the patient was isolated at a private hospital as he developed symptoms like fever and rashes. His samples were sent to BMC Bangalore and then for confirmation, to NIV Pune.
"The patient is stable. Mpox is a mild viral disease. It is self-limiting and there is no cause for concern," said Harsh Gupta, principal secretary, health and family welfare department, Karnataka.
The patient's primary contacts — his wife and 19 others — were advised self-isolation.
Mpox can occur by the bite or scratch of infected animals like monkeys, rats, or squirrels, or through bush meat preparations, said Dr Ansar Ahmed, project director of Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). "The common symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, chills and/or sweats, sore throat, and cough," he said.
"Quick detection is very important to prevent complications and stop transmission. Most of the cases are resolved with supportive care management," said Dr Swati Rajagopal, consultant - Infectious Disease and Travel Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru.