India Reports First Case of Clade 1b Variant of Mpox in Kerala

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India has recorded its first case of the Clade 1b variant of Mpox in a 38-year-old man from Kerala. The patient, hailing from Malappuram district, tested positive for the strain after returning from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This variant prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare Mpox a public health emergency for the second time last month.

According to officials, the patient remains in stable condition. The Kerala Health Minister, Veena George, has called for heightened public vigilance and urged individuals, especially those returning from overseas, to report any symptoms of Mpox immediately. Enhanced surveillance and treatment protocols have already been implemented in hospitals across the state.

The Clade 1b variant is a strain that has recently gained attention due to its increased prevalence in various regions. Prior to this case, India had reported a total of 30 cases of Mpox, with most infections linked to the West African Clade 2 strain. An earlier case was reported in the national capital, where a 26-year-old resident of Haryana’s Hisar district tested positive for the Clade 2 strain earlier this month.

In response to the current outbreak, Kerala’s health department has intensified surveillance at airports, in line with central government guidelines. Minister George emphasized that individuals arriving from countries reporting Mpox cases are required to undergo health checks at airports if they exhibit any symptoms. She also highlighted that isolation and treatment facilities have been arranged in state-run hospitals across various districts, including all medical colleges.

As part of a proactive approach, Kerala had earlier issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) following the initial Mpox outbreak in 2022. The SoP outlines protocols for isolation, sample collection, and treatment of Mpox cases, which are now being strictly enforced. Health workers handling Mpox samples have been instructed to adhere to infection control measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

Mpox, primarily transmitted through close and prolonged contact with infected individuals, typically manifests as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. While infections are usually self-limiting, lasting between two to four weeks, timely medical care is crucial to avoid complications.

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