India Reports First Case of Highly Transmissible Mpox Strain

India Reports First Case of Highly Transmissible Mpox Strain

India has confirmed its first case of the mpox clade 1 strain, according to official sources quoted by local media. This new variant is believed to be highly transmissible and has been linked to the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa.

Detection of Virus in Kerala

The mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox, was detected in a 38-year-old man from the southern Indian state of Kerala. The patient had recently returned from Dubai and developed symptoms of fever and a rash similar to chickenpox. His sample was sent for testing, which confirmed the presence of the virus.

Preventive Measures Implemented

Following the detection of the case, Veena George, the health minister of Kerala, announced the establishment of isolation facilities in all districts and the strengthening of monitoring, including at airports. The government is taking proactive steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

First Case in Delhi

Last month, India reported its first mpox case in Delhi, which involved the clade 2 strain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the government was “continuously monitoring” the situation. The Indian Health Ministry has alerted airports and land port authorities to remain vigilant for international passengers exhibiting symptoms.

Severity and Transmission

Clade 1 mpox is associated with a mortality rate of up to 10%, while the clade 2 strain has a lower mortality rate of less than 1%. The virus is primarily transmitted through person-to-person contact.

Global Health Concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a “public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)” in August due to its resurgence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries. The majority of the reported casualties, out of approximately 500, have occurred in the DRC.

Global Outbreak and Alert

During the global outbreak that commenced in 2022, mpox primarily spread through sexual contact. According to the WHO, the surge resulted in over 100,000 confirmed cases and 234 deaths across more than 120 countries.

Previous Case in New Delhi

An earlier case in New Delhi involved a 26-year-old male who tested positive for the West African clade 2 strain, which was not included in the WHO’s emergency alert. The patient was discharged after receiving treatment at a government hospital.