India has confirmed its first travel-related Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) case, reported in a young male who recently returned from a country experiencing Mpox transmission. The patient tested positive for Mpox virus, specifically from the West African Clade 2. This case is not linked to the current global public health emergency concerning Clade 1, which is a more dangerous strain of the virus.
According to the Health Ministry, the patient is in stable condition and has been isolated at a designated facility. He is not suffering from any serious symptoms or comorbidities. The ministry has reassured the public that this is an isolated case and does not present a widespread risk. Contact tracing and monitoring are in place to prevent further spread, and the case is being managed in line with established health protocols.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has been spreading globally, with most cases seen in young males between 18 and 44 years. The most common mode of transmission during this outbreak has been sexual contact, followed by non-sexual close contact. Common symptoms include a rash, which can appear on the body or genitals, and fever. In many cases, people living with HIV have been more susceptible to the infection.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to rising cases in Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the spread of the virus to other East African countries like Kenya and Uganda. While the risk of global spread is considered moderate, WHO has raised concerns about the emergence of a new clade (Clade Ib), which has contributed to the increase in cases.
In response to the confirmed case, India’s Health Ministry has issued guidelines to all states and union territories, emphasizing the need for vigilance, especially in healthcare settings such as skin and sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics. Healthcare workers are being trained to recognize symptoms, properly diagnose the disease, and follow appropriate isolation and treatment protocols.
The ministry has also directed airports to strengthen health screenings for incoming travelers to detect any potential Mpox cases. Laboratories across India, under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), have been equipped to test for Mpox, ensuring early detection of any further cases.
The Health Ministry remains committed to closely monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts with the WHO to manage the potential spread of the virus.
