Thu Sep 26 19:54:26 UTC 2024: ## India on High Alert as More Virulent Mpox Strain Emerges

**New Delhi, India:** India has issued a nationwide alert following the detection of a more virulent strain of Mpox, known as Clade 1b, in a traveler returning from the United Arab Emirates. The Union Health Ministry has directed states and union territories to ramp up efforts to prevent and minimize the spread of the virus, which poses a greater risk of complications compared to the previously dominant Clade II.

The Ministry’s alert comes after a 38-year-old man from Kerala, who had traveled from the UAE, reported symptoms consistent with Mpox upon his return. This marks the third case of Clade 1b Mpox infection outside of Africa, with previous cases reported in Sweden and Thailand.

While the clinical presentation of Clade 1b in adults remains similar to Clade II, health officials emphasize that the risk of complications is higher.

The Ministry has outlined a series of measures for states and union territories to implement, including:

* **Raising public awareness:** Disseminating information about the disease, its transmission, and the importance of timely reporting.
* **Reviewing public health preparedness:** Conducting assessments of health facilities at state and district levels.
* **Identifying isolation facilities:** Ensuring hospitals have dedicated isolation wards for suspected and confirmed cases, complete with adequate logistics and trained personnel.
* **Strict infection control measures:** Implementing protocols to prevent further spread of the virus in isolation facilities.
* **Enhanced testing:** Promptly sending samples from suspected cases to designated laboratories and conducting genome sequencing to determine the clade.

India already boasts a robust diagnostic testing network, with 36 ICMR-supported laboratories across the country and three validated commercial kits approved by the health regulator. The Ministry has assured states of its continued support in combatting the threat.

While emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance, the Ministry has also urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic. The government remains committed to safeguarding public health and mitigating the impact of potential Mpox outbreaks.

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