Kerala reports another monkeypox case, state tally now 5

A 30-year-old man, who came from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Jul 27, was admitted to a hospital in Malappuram with symptoms of the virus infection, the Minister said in a press release.

As the man tested positive for the virus, his mother and father and two of his friends who came into contact with him have been put under observation, she added.

Meanwhile, India's first monkeypox death was confirmed in Kerala Monday.

A 22-year-old returnee from the UAE died at Chavakkad in Thrissur on Saturday, according to the lab report from the NIV Institute in Pune.

The report showed that his death was due to the West African variant of the Monkeypix virus, the Minister said.

"A team led by the State Medical Board will examine the incident in detail. More genetic tests will be done," she said.

"Anyone with symptoms of Monkeypox should report to the Health Department. With this, preventive measures can be strengthened and others can be prevented from getting the disease. However, there is no reason to worry," she said.

Twenty people who came into contact with the victim are under observation. All the 165 passengers in the flight were also asked to undergo mandatory quarantine.