Tue Sep 24 23:58:51 UTC 2024: ## India Records First Case of Virulent Monkeypox Strain, Kerala on High Alert

**New Delhi, India:** India has reported its first case of mpox caused by the highly contagious Clade 1b strain, currently dominant in the global outbreak. The infected individual, a 38-year-old man from Malappuram, Kerala, recently returned from the United Arab Emirates. While the patient is reportedly stable and under observation, the discovery has triggered heightened surveillance and preventative measures across the state.

Kerala health officials have initiated contact tracing, monitoring over 70 individuals who were in close contact with the infected man. So far, none of these contacts have exhibited any symptoms. The state is also preparing to release updated prevention guidelines and has established isolation facilities statewide.

This is India’s second mpox case, with the first reported earlier this month in a 26-year-old man from Haryana who had traveled to an African country. The strain identified in this first case was linked to the 2022 outbreak.

Despite the recent cases, senior officials at the Union health ministry emphasize that the likelihood of a large-scale outbreak in India remains low.

“While the likelihood of a large-scale outbreak in India is slim, states are well-prepared to handle any situation. The public should not panic,” a senior official at the Union health ministry said.

India has been actively preparing for a potential mpox outbreak since August 2024, following the WHO’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Central government hospitals, including Safdarjung and AIIMS, are equipped with isolation wards, and Lok Nayak Hospital has been designated as the nodal treatment center. Additional measures include enhanced surveillance at airports, seaports, and land crossings, along with readiness in 32 laboratories for early diagnosis.

“Hospitals have been instructed to prepare for the isolation and treatment of cases. While the overall risk of a large-scale outbreak is considered low, health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure a swift response if needed,” said the official.

The Serum Institute of India (SII) is developing a vaccine for monkeypox, and the private sector has pledged support in handling the disease.

**Challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare and awareness of mpox is limited. Continued vigilance, strong public health infrastructure, and robust international collaboration are crucial for effectively managing the ongoing global threat of mpox.**

**Nationally, India has reported a total of 32 mpox cases since the WHO declared it a public health emergency. Since January 2022, over 103,000 monkeypox cases and 229 deaths have been reported across 121 countries.**

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