India Confirms First Case of Fast-Spreading Mpox Strain in Kerala

India has reported its first case of the fast-spreading clade 1b mpox strain in Kerala. The patient, a 38-year-old man who traveled from the UAE, was confirmed as infected by Health Ministry spokesperson Manisha Verma. The country had previously not seen this new strain, prompting a federal advisory to remain vigilant.

India has confirmed its first case of the rapidly spreading clade 1b mpox strain in the southern state of Kerala, making it the first recorded instance of this specific strain in South Asia.

According to Health Ministry spokesperson Manisha Verma, the 38-year-old patient had traveled from the United Arab Emirates and is currently receiving treatment at the government medical college hospital in Malappuram district. This confirmation follows an advisory issued by federal authorities earlier this month urging all states to stay vigilant and prepared for potential cases.

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a global health emergency due to the swift spread of the new strain, initially identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Previously, India had reported around 30 cases and one death from the older clade 2 strain of mpox between 2022 and March 2023.

(With inputs from agencies.)