India confirms first case of deadlier mpox strain
September 25, 2024
India has reported its first case of the clade Ib mpox strain, a deadlier variant that has alarmed global health officials. The case was detected in Kerala in a 38-year-old man who recently traveled to Dubai. This strain, previously confined to the Democratic Republic of Congo, was declared a global health emergency by WHO last month after spreading to four African countries. It has since been detected in countries like Sweden and Thailand. Mpox spreads through close contact and contaminated materials, causing symptoms such as fever, rash, and muscle pain. The virus has two main genetic clades, I and II.
India has confirmed its first case of the clade Ib mpox strain, a development that has raised significant concern among health officials worldwide due to the strain's increased lethality and rapid spread. The case was detected in the southern state of Kerala in a 38-year-old man who had recently returned from Dubai.
Key points of the situation:
1. Case Detection: Kerala's Health Minister, Veena George, credited the state's "robust health care system" for identifying the case, highlighting the importance of vigilant health surveillance.
2. Global Context: This strain was previously contained within the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, its spread to four previously unaffected African countries prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a global health emergency last month.
3. International Spread: The clade Ib strain has now been detected in several countries outside Africa, including Sweden and Thailand, indicating its potential for wider global transmission.
4. About Mpox:
- Formerly known as monkeypox, it's a viral disease that can spread easily between people and from infected animals.
- Transmission occurs through close contact such as touching, kissing, or sex, as well as via contaminated materials like sheets, clothing, and needles.
- Symptoms include fever, rash, lesions, headache, muscle and back pain, low energy, and enlarged lymph nodes.
5. Virus Classification: Mpox is characterized by two genetic clades, I and II. A clade represents a broad grouping of viruses that has evolved over decades.
This case in India underscores the ongoing global challenge posed by emerging and evolving infectious diseases. It highlights the critical importance of robust health surveillance systems, international cooperation in disease monitoring and control, and public awareness about prevention measures. As the situation develops, health authorities worldwide will be closely monitoring the spread of this more virulent strain and coordinating response efforts to mitigate its impact.