Tue Sep 24 20:41:13 UTC 2024: ## India Reports First Case of Highly Contagious Monkeypox Strain

**Malappuram, Kerala:** India has reported its first case of the highly contagious Monkeypox clade 1 strain, prompting concern over its rapid spread. A 38-year-old man from Malappuram district, Kerala, tested positive for the virus after returning from the United Arab Emirates. The patient, currently in stable condition, experienced a fever and chickenpox-like rash.

This new strain, which led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency in August 2024, has been spreading rapidly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

India has previously reported cases of the less severe West African clade 2 strain. Since the WHO declared Monkeypox a public health emergency of International Concern in 2022, India has seen 30 cases.

**Understanding Monkeypox:**

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is similar to smallpox. The virus is spread through close contact with an infected person or animal, including skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, or contact with contaminated materials.

Two distinct clades of the virus exist: clade 1 and clade 2. While both can spread through similar means, Clade 1 is known to be more severe, often resulting in hospitalization and death. Clade 2, while more prevalent, generally causes milder illness.

**Prevention is Key:**

Experts recommend the following to prevent the spread of Monkeypox:

* **Avoid contact with infected individuals or animals.**
* **Practice good hand hygiene.**
* **Wear masks in crowded areas.**
* **Avoid contact with contaminated materials.**

The emergence of the more severe clade 1 strain in India highlights the need for vigilance and adherence to preventive measures. Public health officials are closely monitoring the situation and working to contain the spread of this contagious virus.

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