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TL;DR
- India reports its first case of the virulent mpox virus strain clade Ib in a 38-year-old man from Kerala’s Malappuram district who recently traveled from the UAE.
- The clade Ib strain is considered more aggressive and transmissible than other mpox variants, raising concerns about potential spread and public health implications.
- This case marks the arrival of the latest global health concern in the world’s most populous country, prompting likely increased surveillance and contact tracing efforts.
- Health authorities worldwide are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds in India, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in managing infectious disease threats.
India has confirmed its first case of the virulent mpox virus strain known as clade Ib, marking the arrival of the latest global health concern in the world’s most populous country.
A patient from the southern state of Kerala has tested positive for the clade Ib strain, according to a government official who spoke on condition of anonymity as the information has not yet been formally announced by the health ministry.
This development comes as health authorities worldwide have been monitoring the spread of more aggressive mpox variants. The clade Ib strain is considered particularly concerning due to its increased virulence and transmissibility compared to other mpox strains.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that typically causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. While usually self-limiting, more severe cases can occur, especially with virulent strains like clade Ib.
News Source: Bloomberg
