India's first monkeypox patient tested negative: Kerala Health Minister
Thiruvananthapuram: India's first monkeypox case, a 35-year-old man, who is undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College hospital here, has tested negative, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Saturday.
The patient hailing from Kollam will be discharged from the hospital today, the Minister said in a press release.
Following the instruction from NIV Pune, his samples were tested two times in an interval of 72 hours, considering it as the first case in the country, she said.
"The patient is mentally and physically healthy. The bumps on the skin are completely healed."
His relatives and others who came into contact with the patients also tested negative, she added.
The 35-year-old man who reached Malappuram from Dubai on July 6 tested positive to the monkeypox on July 14.
Country's second case of monkeypox was confirmed in the State on July 18. A 31-year-old man who reached Kannur from Dubai on July 13 tested positive to the monkeypox.
He was admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kannur and those who came into contact with him are under observation.
Meanwhile, the health department urged people to follow the guidelines issued by the authorities to stop the spread of the disease.
Earlier, the Centre sent an expert team to Kerala to ensure coordination of various departments and implement public health measures.
(With UNI inputs)
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