Samples have been collected from the man and are being tested to confirm the presence of mpox.
“The case is being managed in line with established protocols, and contact tracing is ongoing to identify potential sources and assess the impact within the country,” the ministry said.
The development of this case is consistent with the earlier risk assessment conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and there is no cause of any undue concern, it said.
The country is fully prepared to deal with such isolated travel-related cases and has robust measures in place to manage and mitigate any potential risk, the ministry added.
The NCDC had earlier flagged potential risks of Mpox transmission due to international travel from affected regions, and the authorities are closely monitoring the situation.Transmission, symptoms of Mpox:
Mpox is primarily transmitted from person to person through direct physical contact with an infected individual, including through touch, kissing, or sexual activity, according to WHO. It can also spread through contact with contaminated materials, such as clothing or linens, and from infected animals to humans via bites, scratches, or during activities like hunting and cooking. Pregnant individuals can pass the virus to their unborn children, posing additional risks.
The symptoms of Mpox typically manifest within one to three weeks after exposure and can last for two to four weeks. Common symptoms include:
- Rash: A distinctive feature of Mpox is a rash that begins as flat sores, which develop into fluid-filled blisters that may be itchy or painful. These lesions eventually crust over and fall off as they heal.
- Fever: A high fever often accompanies the rash.
- Headache and Muscle Aches: Many patients experience severe headaches and muscle aches.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymphadenopathy, or swollen lymph nodes, is another common symptom.
- Fatigue: A general sense of low energy or fatigue is prevalent.
- The severity and location of the rash can vary, with some individuals developing only a few lesions, while others may have hundreds. These lesions can appear on various parts of the body, including the palms, soles, face, mouth, genital area, and anus.
WHO classified Mpox as Public Health Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its widespread prevalence, particularly in parts of Africa.
Mpox is not the new Covid: WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) assured the public last month that the mpox outbreak is not comparable to the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasizing that the virus is already well-understood and manageable. Despite the need for further research on the Clade 1b strain, which prompted the UN agency to declare an international health emergency, WHO’s European director, Hans Kluge, expressed confidence that the spread of mpox can be contained.
