 |
|
A recent Mpox case reported in Kerala, India, has been confirmed as the Clade 1 variant, marking the country's first encounter with this particular strain. The news was reported by Reuters, citing a statement from Manisha Verma, a spokesperson for the Indian Health Ministry. Clade 1, known for its rapid spread and historical association with higher severity, is responsible for the current surge of Mpox cases in Africa. This distinguishes it from Clade 2, which triggered the global Mpox outbreak that started in 2022. While both Clades are distinct forms of the monkeypox virus, they have different characteristics. Although Clade 1 has historically been associated with higher fatality rates (up to 10%), recent outbreaks have witnessed a lower death rate ranging from 1% to 3.3%. This observation suggests a possible shift in the virulence of the virus, a topic that requires further investigation.
India has previously reported 32 cases of Mpox, with the first instance being detected in September 2022 in a 26-year-old resident of Haryana. This initial case was confirmed to be the Clade 2 strain. The Kerala case involves a 38-year-old man who was diagnosed with Mpox after returning from the United Arab Emirates. He is currently receiving treatment at the Manjeri Medical College in Malappuram. The Malappuram District Nodal Officer, Dr. Shubin C, confirmed that approximately 29 close contacts of the patient, including family members and friends, along with 37 fellow passengers from his flight, are under home monitoring. As of now, none of these individuals have displayed any symptoms of Mpox.
The World Health Organization declared the Mpox outbreaks in Africa as a global emergency on August 14, 2022. The decision was prompted by the increasing number of cases, including those affecting both children and adults, reported in over a dozen countries. Following the WHO's declaration, India has been diligently monitoring the situation and implementing necessary measures to contain the spread of the virus. The Kerala government has issued a public appeal for prompt medical attention and reporting of any Mpox symptoms. This proactive approach aims to minimize the potential impact of the infection and ensure swift intervention in case of suspected cases. Mpox is characterized by rash and flu-like symptoms, and it is primarily transmitted through wild animals like rodents and primates, especially in parts of Africa. However, the virus can also spread through close contact with individuals infected with Mpox or through contaminated materials. While most individuals infected with the virus fully recover, some may experience severe illness. Fortunately, vaccines are available for Mpox, offering a crucial tool for preventing the spread and mitigating the impact of this disease.
Source: Mpox case recorded in Kerala confirmed to be from fast-spreading clade 1 variant