After 22-yr-old man with Monkeypox symptoms dies in Kerala, Centre forms National Task Force

New Delhi: The Centre has formed a National Task Force to monitor the Monkeypox cases in the country, officials from the Union Health Ministry confirmed on Monday.

The task force will monitor and provide guidance on the expansion of diagnostic facilities and explore vaccination to check the spread of infection in the country, officials said.

According to senior officials, the national task force will comprise a team of experts led by Dr VK Paul, member (Health), NITI Aayog and members including officials (secretary-level) from the Union Health Ministry, Pharma and Biotechnology department of the central government.

So far, India has recorded four Monkeypox cases. Of them, three cases were reported in Kerala and one in Delhi.

One suspected death by Monkeypox was also reported in Kerala on Sunday. A 22-year-old man, who had recently returned from the UAE, was found dead with symptoms of the disease during his treatment at a private hospital, according to the state government.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George told the reporters that the patient had tested positive for Monkeypox before his departure to India on July 22 and had suppressed his health status from the authorities, based on the information collected from the deceased's relatives.

A high-level probe has been initiated to investigate the causes behind seeking a delay in the treatment, George informed. (UNI)