Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 14, 2024 8:32 am GMT
India has confirmed its first case of a more dangerous strain of mpox, raising concerns among health officials globally. The clade 1b strain was identified in a 38-year-old man from Kerala, who had recently returned from Dubai. This development follows a warning from the World Health Organization (WHO) about the rapid spread of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, which was declared a global health emergency last month.
Details of the Case in Kerala
The patient in Kerala is undergoing treatment at a local hospital and is currently in isolation. According to Dr. Shubhin C, a health official in the district of Mallapuram, the patient’s condition is improving. “The lesions have started healing. No new lesions have appeared, and he does not have any fever or other symptoms now,” he stated. Medical personnel are monitoring the patient closely, conducting tests every four days. The individual will be discharged once he has two consecutive negative test results.
Local health authorities quickly identified 29 people who had close contact with the patient. These contacts are now in self-quarantine. Additionally, 37 other passengers from the flight to Kerala are being monitored for any signs of illness.
Response from Authorities
Named after its geographical lineage, the clade 1b strain has been responsible for outbreaks in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With its arrival in India, Health Minister Veena George assured the public of the state’s preparedness to deal with the situation. She praised Kerala’s “robust health care system” for its quick response in detecting and managing the case.
“Surveillance has been strengthened, including at airports,” she noted, adding that there are five dedicated mpox testing facilities across the state, with plans to establish more if necessary. Isolation facilities have also been set up, helping contain potential spread.
Understanding Mpox
Mpox is a viral disease that can easily spread between people and animals. It primarily transmits through close contact, which includes:
- Touching or kissing an infected person
- Sexual contact
- Contact with contaminated materials, such as sheets or clothing
Symptoms of mpox include fever, rash, lesions, headache, muscle and back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The virus is categorized into two genetic clades: I and II. Clade 1b, which is now spreading, is known to cause more severe disease compared to the older clade 2 strain.
Global Health Concerns
Mpox, which has not only impacted Africa but also countries like Sweden and Thailand, has prompted significant international concern. The WHO issued an alert after the virus spread beyond the borders of its previously contained regions. Countries outside Africa are being on high alert, with local health departments ramping up surveillance and testing for potential cases.
India has previously reported over 30 cases of the older clade 2 mpox in the last two years, which is considered less infectious than clade 1b. The federal government has responded by encouraging state authorities to remain vigilant and monitor for signs of mpox.
In this heightened state of alert, about 35 laboratories across India have been designated to test suspected cases. The focus is not only on immediate containment but also on preparing for any potential outbreaks.
Precautionary Measures and Future Outlook
Health officials are urging the public to practice good hygiene and be aware of mpox symptoms, especially if they have been in contact with anyone suspected of being infected. The importance of monitoring and tracing contacts cannot be overstated, as this is crucial in controlling the virus’s spread.
As the situation develops, health authorities in Kerala and across India will continue to evaluate their response strategies, keeping the public informed. The successful containment of previous outbreaks, such as the Nipah virus last year, illustrates the state’s capability of managing infectious diseases.
The new clade 1b mpox strain is causing some problems, but health officials in Kerala are acting quickly to stop it from spreading. They are also working with people across the country to keep everyone safe. It’s important for everyone to be aware and work together to tackle this health issue.
