India has reported its first case of mpox involving the fast-spreading clade 1b variety, marking a significant development in the region’s public health landscape. The patient, a 38-year-old man from Kerala, had recently traveled from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This case is notable as it represents South Asia’s first recorded instance of the new strain.
The Health Ministry spokesperson, Manisha Verma, confirmed the strain after news agency ANI cited official sources. The case was reported in the Malappuram district of Kerala, where the patient was admitted to the government medical college hospital.
The state health department has yet to provide further details on the case, but federal authorities have already issued advisories to all states to remain vigilant. This preemptive measure aims to prepare the nation for potential cases following the rapid spread of the clade 1b strain, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency. The new strain was first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has since spread to neighboring countries.
India had previously reported about 30 cases and one death from the older mpox strain, known as clade 2, between 2022 and March of this year. An additional clade 2 case was reported earlier this month. The emergence of the clade 1b variety represents a new challenge for India’s health authorities.
Two strains of mpox are now circulating in Congo: the endemic clade 1 and the new clade 1b strain. Mpox primarily transmits through close physical contact, including sexual contact. Unlike COVID-19, there is no evidence suggesting mpox spreads easily through the air. The disease typically presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, and while it is usually mild, it can be fatal.
India, as the world’s most populous nation, faces unique challenges in containing and managing infectious diseases. The health ministry’s proactive advisory to states underscores the importance of readiness and swift response to emerging health threats. Public health officials are likely to increase surveillance and testing to identify and isolate cases promptly.
The first recorded case of mpox clade 1b in India signals a new phase in the nation’s battle against infectious diseases. With federal and state authorities on high alert, India’s health system is mobilizing resources to manage and contain this new strain. The situation underscores the global interconnectedness of public health and the importance of vigilance in the face of emerging viral threats.
As the case in Kerala unfolds, it will serve as a critical test of India’s public health infrastructure and its ability to respond to new and evolving pathogens. The health ministry’s emphasis on preparedness and rapid response will be crucial in mitigating the spread and impact of this fast-spreading strain.
