India has confirmed its first case of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in a young male who recently returned from a country experiencing ongoing transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a statement on Monday verifying that the suspected case, reported on Sunday, has been confirmed as a travel-related infection.
The patient, currently isolated at a designated tertiary care facility, tested positive for Mpox virus of the West African clade 2. According to health authorities, the patient is clinically stable and has no systemic illness or comorbidities.
“This case is isolated and similar to the 30 cases reported in India since July 2022. It is not linked to the current public health emergency reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), which concerns clade 1 of Mpox,” the Ministry’s statement clarified.
The ministry also assured that public health protocols, including contact tracing and monitoring, are being actively implemented to prevent further spread. At present, there is no indication of widespread public risk, and the situation remains contained.
“This case aligns with earlier risk assessments and is being managed according to established protocols,” the Ministry added, stressing that there is no immediate cause for concern for the general public.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that public health measures remain in place.
