India has recorded its first case of the virulent Clade 1b strain of mpox, a development that has raised significant concern given the strain's increased virulence and transmission rate. This case marks a critical turn in India's management of the mpox outbreak.
Patient Details and Isolation
The patient, a 38-year-old man from Malappuram, Kerala, was diagnosed with the Clade 1b strain of mpox after returning from the United Arab Emirates. According to government sources and reports from the Health Ministry, the patient is currently in stable condition and under observation in a hospital.
Contact Tracing and Surveillance
Health officials in Kerala have intensified surveillance and contact tracing efforts. Over 70 individuals who were in close contact with the infected person are being monitored, although none have shown symptoms thus far. The Kerala health department has established isolation facilities and is considering additional testing centers to handle potential cases.
Previous Cases in India
This is not the first instance of mpox in India, but it is the first case involving the Clade 1b strain. Earlier this month, a 26-year-old man from Hisar, Haryana, was diagnosed with a Clade 2 infection after traveling from an affected African country. Since 2022, India has reported 32 cases of mpox, with one death, all linked to the less infectious Clade 2 strain.
Global Context and WHO Alert
The Clade 1b strain has been at the center of global health concerns, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2024. This strain, formerly known as the Congo Basin clade, is more severe and has been reported outside Africa only in a few countries, including Sweden and Thailand.
Symptoms and Transmission
Mpox, previously referred to as monkeypox, is a zoonotic viral infection that can spread through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes, along with characteristic pox-like rashes that last for two to three weeks. The virus can also spread through sexual contact and skin-to-skin interaction.
Government Preparedness
In response to the outbreak, the Indian government has issued advisories to all states and union territories to prevent the spread of mpox. The Health Ministry has emphasized the importance of isolating all mpox cases and following strict control measures. Approximately 35 laboratories nationwide have been designated to test suspected cases of mpox.
Vaccine Development and Diagnostic Capabilities
Efforts are underway to develop a vaccine for mpox, with the Serum Institute of India (SII) advancing its work in this area. Additionally, diagnostic chains like Metropolis Healthcare have procured essential testing kits and implemented comprehensive preparations, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample collection and disposal.
Conclusion
The detection of the Clade 1b strain of mpox in India underscores the need for vigilant surveillance and robust public health measures. While the likelihood of a large-scale outbreak is considered slim, the government's preparedness and the public's awareness are crucial in preventing widespread transmission of the virus. As India navigates this new challenge, it draws on its experience in handling previous outbreaks, such as COVID-19, to ensure a swift and effective response.
