Tue Sep 24 11:50:50 UTC 2024: ## India Reports First Case of Highly Transmissible Mpox Strain
**New Delhi, India** – India has confirmed its first case of the highly transmissible mpox strain, clade 1b, which has been linked to the outbreak in Africa. The patient, a 38-year-old man from the southern state of Kerala, recently returned from Dubai.
The news comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency in August. Since then, the more dangerous variant has spread to several countries outside Africa, including Sweden, Thailand and Pakistan.
The infected individual is currently receiving treatment in a hospital. Health authorities are tracing and monitoring those who came into contact with him. So far, no symptoms have been reported among the 29 friends and family members, and 37 fellow passengers on his flight who are being monitored.
This is the first instance of clade 1b mpox in India. Previously, the country reported over 30 cases caused by the less infectious clade 2 strain.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a contagious virus that can cause painful skin lesions. It spreads through close contact with an infected person, including through sex, skin-to-skin contact, and even talking or breathing closely. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and lesions across the body. Untreated, mpox can be fatal.
The Indian government has issued an advisory to all states urging vigilance for potential mpox cases. Around 35 laboratories across the country have been designated for testing suspected cases.
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