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The recent detection of a Mpox case in Kerala has highlighted the ongoing threat posed by the virus, particularly as it has been confirmed to be the fast-spreading clade 1 variant. This marks India's first instance of this particular variant, raising concerns about potential spread within the country. The patient, a 38-year-old man, had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the role of international travel in the transmission of the virus.
Clade 1, responsible for the current surge of Mpox cases in Africa, has historically been associated with higher rates of severe illness and mortality compared to clade 2. While recent outbreaks have seen lower fatality rates, the presence of clade 1 in India warrants heightened vigilance and proactive measures to contain its spread. This includes intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and prompt isolation of infected individuals. Additionally, raising public awareness about Mpox symptoms, transmission routes, and preventive measures is crucial to encourage early detection and intervention.
The Indian government has been actively monitoring the Mpox situation since the 2022 declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO. The Kerala government, in response to the latest case, has urged the public to seek treatment and inform the health department if they experience any symptoms of the infection. This highlights the importance of strong public health infrastructure and coordination to effectively respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Ensuring access to vaccines and antiviral treatments is also critical in mitigating the impact of Mpox and reducing the potential for complications.
Source: Mpox case recorded in Kerala confirmed to be from fast-spreading clade 1 variant