Thrissur
A 22-year-old Gulf returnee, who died at a private hospital in Thrissur on Saturday, has been tested positive for monkeypox in the UAE.
Relatives of the youth from Kurinjiyur near Chavakkad reportedly submitted the report to the hospital authorities only after his death.
According to hospital officials, the youth, who had come from the United Arab Emirates on July 21, was admitted to the hospital on July 27 itself. However, it was reported that he was not showing any symptoms of monkeypox.
The results of laboratory tests of his body fluids from Alappuzha Virology Lab are yet to come.
According to Health Minister Veena George, a high-level team will investigate the matter. As death from monkeypox is rare, that too of a 22-year-old youth, a detailed investigation was to be conducted in the matter, he said. There should be an inquiry as to why there was a delay in getting the young man treated even after coming on July 21.
The Health Department has intensified precautionary measures in Kuranjiyur and surrounding areas. Route map of youth has been prepared. Those who traveled with him on a flight from the UAE, the taxi driver who took him to and from the airport, his relatives, neighbors and treating doctors and health workers were asked to go on quarantine.
The health team is monitoring the situation. The Health Department is calling a meeting in Punnayur soon.