A man travelling from the UAE tested positive for monkeypox in Kerala on Thursday, according to state Health Minister Veena George. He arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram airport and is “quite stable, with all vitals normal,” according to ANI.

Also read: What is monkeypox? All you need to know

“There is nothing to worry about or to be anxious about. All the steps are being taken and the patient is stable,” stated the minister. She also stated that his major contacts have been identified, which include his father, mother, a taxi driver, an auto driver, and 11 fellow passengers from neighbouring seats.

The virus, which is often prevalent in Africa, causes fever as well as unique bumpy rashes. Although the sickness is normally treatable, one of two strains is more hazardous. Up to 10% of patients die as a result of the Congo strain. The West African strain is gentler, with only a 1% death rate.

Also read: Monkeypox outbreak: 5 things to know about the disease

It was discovered in monkeys for the first time in 1958, hence the name. Rodents are now thought to be the primary source of transmission. It spreads by close contact with animals and, less frequently, humans.

Scientists were startled two months ago when a few instances of monkeypox, which seldom occurs outside of Africa’s western and central areas, were reported or suspected in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Spain.

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It also raises the concern of virologists because it is related to smallpox. Smallpox immunisation eradicated the disease in 1980, and the shot has since been phased out. However, because that vaccine also protects against monkeypox, doctors believe that a reduction in vaccination may be to blame for new instances.