MPOX TRACKER

India has reported its first case of the fast-spreading clade 1b mpox variant, marking a significant development in South Asia's encounter with the evolving mpox outbreak. The case was confirmed in the Malappuram district of Kerala, involving a 38-year-old man who had recently traveled from the United Arab Emirates.

Key points of the situation:

1. Case Details: The patient is currently admitted to the government medical college hospital in Malappuram. Health authorities are closely monitoring 29 friends and family members of the patient, along with 37 fellow passengers from his flight. As of now, none of these contacts have shown any mpox symptoms.

2. Previous Mpox Cases in India: Prior to this, India had reported about 30 cases and one death from the older clade 2 strain between 2022 and March 2024, with an additional clade 2 case earlier this month.

3. Global Context: This case follows the rapid spread of the new clade 1b strain, first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak's severity led the World Health Organization to declare it a global health emergency.

4. Strains in Congo: Two strains of mpox are currently spreading in Congo - the endemic clade 1 and the new clade 1b.

5. Transmission: Mpox primarily transmits through close physical contact, including sexual contact. Unlike COVID-19, there's no evidence of easy airborne transmission.

6. India's Response: Following this case, federal authorities have issued an advisory to all states to remain vigilant and prepare for potential cases.

This development underscores the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness in managing evolving infectious diseases. As the world's most populous nation, India's experience with this new strain will be crucial in understanding and managing its spread in densely populated regions.