India Reports First Case of New Mpox Strain: Public Health Alert Issued
India has confirmed its first case of the new mpox strain, clade 1b, which has prompted a public health emergency alert from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The highly transmissible variant has been linked to an outbreak in Africa and was detected in a 38-year-old man from Kerala who recently returned from Dubai. He is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
The WHO had previously declared mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a public health emergency in Africa in August. Since then, the more dangerous variant has spread to several countries outside Africa, including Sweden, Thailand, and Pakistan. In Kerala, health authorities have begun tracing and monitoring individuals who came into contact with the patient.
As part of the response, about 29 friends and family members, as well as 37 passengers from the man’s flight, are being closely monitored; however, none have shown symptoms so far. This new case comes amid a backdrop of over 30 reported mpox cases in India linked to the older, less infectious clade 2 strain.
Mpox primarily spreads from animals to humans and can be transmitted between people through close contact, including sexual interactions and respiratory exposure. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and painful lesions, and if untreated, the virus can be deadly. The federal government has issued an advisory urging all states to remain vigilant for potential cases, with 35 laboratories designated for testing.
