India has confirmed its first case of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) caused by the fast-spreading Clade 1B strain. This development comes just weeks after the World Health Organization (WHO) classified Mpox as a disease of international concern, raising alarm about its global spread and severity.
The Clade 1B strain, considered more transmissible and potentially deadlier than its counterpart, Clade II, has already been linked to several outbreaks worldwide. The strain’s higher fatality rate and rapid transmission have prompted health authorities to act swiftly.
The patient, a resident of Kerala, is reportedly in stable condition, with no current indications of a widespread outbreak. However, the state’s health department has taken proactive measures by announcing revised guidelines for the prevention and treatment of Mpox to safeguard public health.
Previous Cases and Rising Concern
This is not the first time India has confronted Mpox. In early September, a 26-year-old from Haryana tested positive for the West African Clade II strain, which has historically been less severe. Since 2022, India has identified more than 30 Mpox cases, primarily among individuals with a travel history to countries in Africa, where the virus is endemic.
According to a report in The Times of India, most of the earlier cases involved the less transmissible Clade II strain. With the arrival of Clade 1B, concerns have mounted about the strain’s potential to cause a larger outbreak, prompting Indian health authorities to bolster their containment and treatment strategies.
Kerala Responds with Revised Guidelines
In light of the recent case, the Kerala Health Department has announced plans to release updated guidelines for the prevention and management of Mpox. The guidelines will emphasize hygiene, isolation measures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, particularly for caregivers and healthcare workers who may come into contact with infected individuals.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George reassured the public, stating, “The situation is under control, and the patient is stable. Our health system is prepared, and we will implement updated guidelines to ensure public safety. There is no reason for panic at this stage.”
Understanding Mpox: Transmission and Symptoms
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, with transmission primarily occurring through close physical contact. The WHO emphasizes that while Mpox can spread between people, it is not airborne like Covid-19, which has caused some confusion due to the ongoing pandemic.
People are at higher risk if they have skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact with an infected person. Other forms of close contact, including mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin interactions, can also spread the virus. Sexual contact has emerged as a significant mode of transmission in recent outbreaks.
Mpox symptoms include:
- A distinctive rash that typically lasts 2–4 weeks, starting as blisters or sores that can affect various parts of the body, including the face, palms, soles of the feet, and genital or anal areas.
- Fever, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes often accompany the rash.
The virus can also spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as bedding, clothing, or surfaces. Infected fluids from blisters or scabs can contaminate materials, posing a risk to anyone who handles these items without appropriate protective measures.
Prevention and Treatment: Key Recommendations
As Mpox is not airborne, its transmission risk can be mitigated through proper hygiene and caution. Key recommendations include:
- Avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms of Mpox, especially skin-to-skin or sexual contact.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks, when caring for someone with Mpox.
- Disinfect surfaces and objects that may have been exposed to the virus, such as bedding, clothing, or other materials.
- Isolate infected individuals to prevent the virus from spreading further.
Global and National Response
Globally, the WHO has been closely monitoring the Mpox situation, especially as it continues to spread in countries outside of Africa. The declaration of Mpox as a disease of international concern underscores the need for coordinated global action to prevent widespread outbreaks.
In India, health authorities are working to contain the situation, particularly in light of the recent Clade 1B case. Surveillance efforts have been ramped up in Kerala, and the central government has been in close contact with state officials to ensure preparedness.
Despite the severity of the Clade 1B strain, health experts stress that with proper precautions, the public can significantly reduce the risk of infection. The focus now is on rapid identification, isolation, and treatment of Mpox cases to prevent further spread.
Conclusion
As India grapples with its first Clade 1B Mpox case, health authorities are taking decisive action to mitigate the virus’s spread. While Mpox is not airborne and the risk to the general public remains low, the arrival of the more transmissible Clade 1B strain has prompted renewed efforts to update guidelines, educate the public, and prevent further cases.
For now, Kerala’s health system is holding strong, with the patient stable and no indications of widespread risk. However, vigilance remains key as the country navigates the evolving situation.
What You Need to Know About Mpox:
- Close contact with an infected person is the primary mode of transmission.
- Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Clade 1B is more transmissible and potentially deadlier than Clade II.
- Revised guidelines are expected to improve preventive measures.
Stay informed, stay safe, and follow health advisories