Wed Sep 11 17:15:11 UTC 2024: ## India Confirms First Case of Mpox, But No Cause for Alarm

**New Delhi, India** – India has confirmed its first case of Mpox (monkeypox) in a young male who recently traveled from a country experiencing ongoing transmission of the virus. The patient, who is currently isolated and clinically stable, has been diagnosed with the West African clade 2 variant, a less virulent strain than the clade 1 variant that prompted a public health emergency declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) in August 2024.

This latest case is the 31st reported in India since July 2022, and authorities emphasize that it is an isolated incident and not part of the ongoing global outbreak. The government has implemented established protocols for managing the case, including contact tracing and monitoring, to prevent further spread.

Infectious Disease Specialist Dr Charu Dutt Arora reassures the public, stating that the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission remains low. “The health ministry is conducting serotesting of all possible cases with a travel history to contain any widespread risk to the community,” she adds.

Mpox is a viral illness characterized by skin rashes, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Transmission occurs through close contact with an infected individual, and potentially through contact with infected animals. The treatment involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

While the recent case has raised concerns, health experts advise the public to remain calm and follow recommended preventive measures. These include avoiding close contact with infected individuals, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding contact with wild animals.

The news of India’s first confirmed Mpox case comes at a time when the country is already facing challenges from other infectious diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. The government urges vulnerable groups, including healthcare workers, people living with someone who has Mpox, and those with multiple sexual partners, to get vaccinated against the virus.

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