NEW DELHI: India has confirmed its first case of Monkeypox (Mpox) caused by the highly contagious Clade 1B strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared Mpox a disease of international concern.
According to sources from the Health Ministry, the strain has been detected in a patient from Kerala who recently returned from Dubai. “The patient is currently stable, and contact tracing is underway to track any potential spread,” a ministry official stated. “At present, there is no evidence of widespread risk to the public.”
“Mpox, unlike influenza or Covid-19, is not airborne,” clarified the official. “It primarily spreads through close, unprotected physical contact. Sexual transmission is also a significant mode of spread. Additionally, contact with infected materials from a patient’s blisters and scabs can lead to transmission.”
Previous Mpox Cases in India: 30+ Cases Reported
Mpox has been reported in India before. From 2022 to 2024, over 30 cases were documented, primarily among individuals with travel history to African countries, where the disease is more prevalent.
“All previous cases in India were caused by the Clade II strain. This is the first case involving the Clade 1B strain, which is known for its higher transmissibility and elevated fatality rate compared to Clade II,” the official added.
Recently, a separate case of Mpox caused by the Clade II strain was detected in a 26-year-old resident of Hisar, Haryana. The patient was isolated at Lok Nayak Hospital before being discharged. A source from the Health Ministry noted that public health measures, including contact tracing and monitoring, are in place to ensure that the situation remains under control.
Health authorities emphasize the importance of maintaining hygiene, as infected fluid from blisters and scabs can contaminate materials such as bedding. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial, especially for caregivers.
The ministry remains vigilant and continues to monitor the situation to prevent any further spread of the disease.
