India Records First Mpox Case Involving Fast-Spreading Clade 1b

India confirmed its first mpox case of the clade 1b variety in Kerala. The patient, a 38-year-old man, had recently traveled from the UAE. This marks the first recorded instance of this fast-spreading strain in the country, according to the health ministry.

India has confirmed its first case of mpox involving the fast-spreading clade 1b variety in the southern state of Kerala. This significant development was announced on Monday by Manisha Verma, a spokesperson for the health ministry, following earlier reports from news agency ANI.

The case was detected in Kerala's Malappuram district, involving a 38-year-old man who had recently traveled from the United Arab Emirates. This marks a notable first instance of the clade 1b strain within the country, amidst rising concerns over its rapid spread.

Authorities in Kerala had initially reported the case last week, pending confirmation of the strain. The identification of clade 1b adds a new dimension to India's health monitoring and response strategies.

(With inputs from agencies.)