Tue Sep 24 08:50:48 UTC 2024: ## India Reports First Case of Deadlier Mpox Clade 1 Variant
**New Delhi, September 23, 2024:** India has confirmed its first case of the Clade 1 variant of Mpox, a new and potentially more dangerous strain of the virus. The infected individual, a 38-year-old man, arrived in Kerala last week from the UAE and developed symptoms shortly after.
The man was admitted to the government medical college hospital in Malappuram’s Manjeri on Monday, where he is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
This is the second case of Mpox reported in India this month, following a 26-year-old resident of Haryana who tested positive for the previous West African Clade 2 strain. Since the WHO declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in 2022, a total of 30 cases have been reported in India.
The Health Ministry has assured the public that the situation is under control and there is no cause for widespread concern. Although the new variant is considered more transmissible, Mpox primarily spreads through close contact and exchange of body fluids, and has a much lower mortality rate than COVID-19.
The Ministry has initiated contact tracing procedures to prevent further spread and has emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for any suspected symptoms. The Kerala health minister has also appealed to the public, particularly those returning from abroad, to report any symptoms to the health department.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that while Mpox is treated with supportive care for symptoms, the disease is generally self-limiting and patients usually recover within two to four weeks. However, the organization has urged caution as the new Clade 1 variant has been linked to more severe illness in some cases.
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