India confirms first case of monkeypox death; Centre constitutes task force

The Kerala youth arrived in the state from UAE on July 22 and died on July 30

The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune on Monday confirmed the death of a 22-year-old man from Punnayur in Thrissur district of Kerala as the first case of monkeypox fatality in the country.

This comes a day after State Health Minister Veena George indicated that the man had tested positive in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The youth, who landed at Calicut International Airport (also known as Karipur Airport) from the UAE on July 22, died on July 30 at a private hospital near Chavakkad in Thrissur.

So far, Kerala has reported four monkeypox cases, while Delhi has reported one. The Centre has constituted a task force, headed by Member (Health), NITI Aayog V K Paul, to look into cases of monkeypox in the country.

According to sources, a test of the samples of the youth was conducted at NIV in Alappuzha first. When the results turned positive, samples were sent to Pune for a detailed analysis.

The state government has already drawn up a route map of the deceased youth. Around 15 people, who were in close contact with him, have been asked to isolate as precautionary measure.

Based on media reports, the samples of the youth tested positive on July 19 and July 20 in the UAE, and yet he travelled to Kerala. Even after the state government came out with a standard operating procedure (SOP) at airports on July 19, authorities failed to detect the youth’s case.

What is a cause for concern to authorities is that his public contact list may be even higher. The youth had even played soccer with friends before his health worsened.

The family of the youth had informed authorities about the tests conducted in the UAE only after his condition deteriorated after July 27. His last rites were performed on July 31, following protocols similar to Covid-19.

On Sunday, the district medical officer conducted a high-level meeting at Punnayur. This was followed by a meeting with health workers by the panchayat on Monday.

After four cases were reported, the authorities released an SOP to be followed at airports. Although authorities are reiterating that there is no need to hit the panic button, that a healthy person with no medical condition can lose his life is of serious concern.

The state government has also constituted a high-level committee to look into the death of the youth. George said the state will look into reasons for delay in treatment. The central task force will also advise the government on diagnosis and how best to combat the disease.

So far, around 21,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported across the world, with the rate of deaths being comparatively lower compared to Covid.