Tue Sep 24 08:30:54 UTC 2024: ## India Confirms First Case of Deadlier Mpox Clade 1b Strain
**New Delhi, India** – A 38-year-old man from Kerala has become the first person in India to be diagnosed with the mpox Clade 1b strain, a more virulent and potentially deadly variant of the virus. The man, who recently returned from the United Arab Emirates, is currently stable but exhibited symptoms like fever and chickenpox-like rash.
This news comes as India has already reported 32 mpox cases and one death since 2022. While the previous cases were attributed to the less severe Clade II strain, the discovery of Clade 1b in the country raises concerns.
Clade 1b, first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is known to transmit more readily and cause more severe symptoms than other strains. Experts warn that mortality rates can be as high as 10% for children in the Congo, while global figures are around 3%.
Symptoms of Clade 1b infection include more intense skin rashes with larger lesions, pronounced lymphadenopathy, high fever, severe headache, myalgia, and enlarged lymph nodes.
In response to the growing threat, Indian authorities have stepped up their vigilance and implemented measures to curb the spread of the virus. Kerala has released a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) and designated specific hospitals for treatment and isolation.
Nationally, the government has directed hospitals to prepare isolation wards and equipped diagnostic labs with testing tools for timely identification. Airports and ports are on high alert, with thermal scanning of international passengers being implemented.
While the current case is the first Clade 1b confirmed in India, experts warn that the country may see more cases given the global spread of the virus and frequent travel between India and Africa.
The Indian government is urging the public to report any suspected cases and seek treatment immediately. They also advise citizens to be aware of the risks associated with international travel and take necessary precautions.
First Piper 