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India has reported its first suspected case of mpox, a disease that has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). The suspected case involves a young male who recently traveled from a country experiencing active mpox transmission. The patient has been isolated, and a sample has been sent for testing. This development comes as a result of the heightened awareness and proactive measures taken by the Indian health authorities in light of the WHO's alert.
Following the WHO's declaration, experts in India conducted a risk assessment and concluded that while the possibility of imported cases existed, the likelihood of a large-scale outbreak with sustained transmission within the country remained low. This assessment is supported by the fact that the suspected case involves an individual who recently traveled from an affected area, indicating a potential for imported cases rather than widespread community transmission.
The Indian government has been actively monitoring the situation closely and taking necessary steps to prevent the spread of mpox. The health ministry has emphasized that the development of this suspected case is in line with their previous risk assessments, and there is no cause for undue concern. It remains crucial to continue vigilant monitoring and implement preventive measures such as isolation and contact tracing to manage any potential spread.
Source: First suspected mpox case detected in India: What we know so far