Days after the death of a person with monkeypox-like symptoms in the state, another case of monkeypox was confirmed in Kerala as a returnee from the UAE tested positive today. This is the fifth case of a viral disease in the state so far.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George has confirmed the report of another case of monkeypox in the state, news agency ANI reported.

The 30-year-old patient is currently undergoing treatment in Malappuram, the health minister said.

He arrived at the Kozhikode airport on July 27 from the UAE and underwent treatment at Manjeri Medical College in Malappuram, the minister said. This is the fifth case of monkeypox in the state.

Twenty people are under quarantine in the state's Thrissur district after the death of a person with monkeypox-like symptoms, officials said on Monday.

Officials also confirmed that the victim was in contact with "only 10 people", including family members and friends.

"The situation is very much under control, there is no panic. The person had direct contact with 10 people including family members and several friends. So far, 20 people have been quarantined,” said Renjini, a member of the standing committee on education and health.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses that cause smallpox. The disease is endemic in areas such as West and Central Africa, but recently cases have been reported from non-endemic countries, according to the WHO.

Monkey pox usually presents with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and can lead to various health complications. It is usually a self-limiting illness with symptoms lasting two to four weeks. With new confirmed and suspected cases being reported, the center on Monday created a task force to monitor the situation and decide on response initiatives.