Tue Sep 24 07:11:04 UTC 2024: ## India Reports First Case of Highly Contagious Mpox Strain
**New Delhi, India** – India has confirmed its first case of the highly contagious Mpox clade 1 strain, marking a concerning development for the country. The individual, a 38-year-old man from Malappuram district in Kerala, recently returned from the United Arab Emirates. He is currently stable and under observation.
This strain, classified as clade 1b, is endemic to Central Africa and has been linked to a severe outbreak across the continent. The strain’s rapid spread prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare Mpox a public health emergency last month.
“This is the same strain that led to the World Health Organization declaring Mpox a public health emergency last month for a second time,” official sources stated.
India has previously reported cases of Mpox, but those were linked to the less severe West African Clade 2 strain. This latest confirmation marks the first case of clade 1b in the country, raising concerns about potential further spread.
The WHO has reported over 30,000 suspected Mpox cases in Africa this year, with a significant number in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over 800 deaths have been linked to the virus across the continent.
The health ministry spokesperson, Manisha Verma, confirmed the strain after news agency ANI cited official sources. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and implementing necessary measures to prevent further transmission.
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