Sun Sep 08 13:23:49 UTC 2024: ## India Reports First Suspected Case of Mpox, Contact Tracing Underway

**New Delhi, India (September 8, 2024):** India has reported its first suspected case of Mpox (monkeypox) in a young man who recently returned from a country experiencing an outbreak. The individual, who is currently showing symptoms but remains stable, has been isolated and is being monitored according to established protocols.

Health authorities have initiated contact tracing to identify individuals who may have come into contact with the suspect and assess the potential impact within the country.

While the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) acknowledges the risk, officials have assured the public that there is no cause for alarm and that India is well-prepared to manage isolated travel-related cases. Robust measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks.

Mpox, a viral disease that can be transmitted from infected animals to humans or through close physical contact, has been declared an international emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to a recent surge in cases of a new strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

While the 2022 epidemic was linked to a different strain, the current outbreak in the DRC is caused by a new variant, Clade 1b, which has spread rapidly in the region. The WHO has noted that while cases have increased, there have been relatively few reported deaths.

Further testing is underway to confirm the presence of the virus in the suspected Indian case.

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