Health Reporter
India has confirmed its first case of the highly contagious mpox strain, clade 1b, which has triggered a public health emergency alert by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The case was detected in a 38-year-old man from Kerala who recently returned from Dubai. This strain is linked to the mpox outbreak in Africa and has spread to countries outside the continent, including Sweden, Thailand, and Pakistan.
According to Health Ministry spokesperson Manisha Verma, the patient is being treated in a hospital, and contact tracing is underway. About 29 friends and family members, along with 37 passengers from his flight, are being monitored, but none have shown symptoms so far.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a contagious virus causing painful skin lesions. It spreads through close contact with infected individuals, including sex, skin-to-skin contact, and proximity. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and lesions. If left untreated, mpox can be deadly.
In the past two years, India reported over 30 mpox cases caused by the less infectious clade 2 strain. The government has issued an advisory to all states to remain vigilant and designated 35 laboratories for testing suspected cases.
Key Facts About Mpox:
- Transmission: Close contact with infected individuals, including sex, skin-to-skin contact, and proximity
- Symptoms: Fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and lesions
- Severity: Can be deadly if left untreated
- Prevention: Vigilance and contact tracing.
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