Authorities in the Indian state of Keral reported the first possible case of death from monkeypox.
A man who tested positive for monkeypox has died in a hospital in India, the Indian Express newspaper reported, citing Vina George, head of the Kerala health department.
According to Indian authorities, the 22-year-old man died Saturday, July 30, days after returning from the UAE. He had been diagnosed with smallpox abroad.
"The young man had no symptoms of monkeypox. He was hospitalized with symptoms of encephalitis ... His relatives did not give the test result until Saturday," George added.
The head of the health department stressed that the death will be investigated because monkeypox has a low mortality rate.
The man was buried in compliance with burial regulations for victims of monkeypox. Those who came in contact with him are being monitored.
According to the newspaper, there are now four confirmed cases of the disease in India.