India confirms first smallpox case in ongoing outbreak.

India has confirmed its first case of the new highly-transmissible mpox strain, prompting a public health emergency alert by the World Health Organization (WHO). The variant, known as clade 1b, is linked to the outbreak in Africa and has been detected in a 38-year-old man from Kerala who recently returned from Dubai. Mpox, previously known as monkey pox, is a contagious virus causing painful skin lesions.

Since the WHO declared mpox a public health emergency in Africa, the more dangerous variant has spread to other countries like Sweden, Thailand, and Pakistan. The patient in Kerala is being treated while authorities monitor his contacts. While no symptoms have been reported by those in contact so far, the virus can spread through close contact and cause symptoms like fever and muscle aches. With India having reported over 30 mpox cases in the last two years, the government has issued advisories to be vigilant and designated testing laboratories nationwide. The need for swift action and awareness is crucial in combating this deadly virus.

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