Thiruvananthapuram: The epidemic of ampox is wreaking havoc in Africa, the World Health Organization has declared this epidemic a public health emergency. At the same time, the discovery of a new strain of ampox in India has raised concerns. Health officials told PTI that the Clade 1B strain has been found in a 38-year-old man from Malappuram district, who had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates.

Guidelines issued regarding Ampox

At the same time, now the Kerala government has issued new guidelines regarding ampox. Sources said that the patient's condition is stable. They said that 'this is the first case of the current strain, due to which the World Health Organization declared ampox a public health emergency for the second time last month.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that instructions have been given to take necessary action if the cases increase. Given the seriousness of the ampox, the Kerala government has announced to issue revised guidelines for the prevention and treatment of the virus. The decision comes in the wake of the first confirmed case of the new strain being reported in Kerala on Monday. The state-level Rapid Response Team (RRT) held a meeting to assess the overall situation in the state.

Isolation facilities established in all districts of Kerala

Veena George said in a statement that isolation facilities have been set up in all districts of Kerala and surveillance has been strengthened, including at airports. Currently, testing facilities have been arranged in five laboratories. If necessary, testing facilities will be expanded to more laboratories.

Though Minister Veena George did not mention in her statement that the first confirmed case of the ampox strain in India was found in a patient from Kerala, she said that people coming from other countries who show symptoms should inform the health department and get treatment. She further directed that if any person with ampox symptoms comes to government or private hospitals, the health department should be informed.