India recently confirmed its first case of the fast-spreading Clade 1b strain of mpox in Kerala, marking a significant development in South Asia. The patient, a 38-year-old man who recently traveled from the United Arab Emirates, was admitted to a hospital in the Malappuram district. While he is being treated, health authorities are monitoring 29 friends and family members, as well as 37 passengers from his flight, for any symptoms.
This new variant has prompted federal authorities to issue an advisory to all states to remain vigilant. The World Health Organization has already declared the outbreak a global health emergency due to the rapid spread of the virus to neighboring countries. Mpox, unlike COVID-19, primarily spreads through close physical contact and can cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, with the potential to be fatal despite being usually mild.
With two strains of mpox now circulating in Congo, the emergence of the Clade 1b strain in India underscores the importance of continued monitoring and preparedness to address potential cases.