India Reports First Case of More Dangerous Mpox Strain
India confirms its first case of the clade 1b mpox strain in a man returning from UAE. Health authorities monitor contacts as concerns rise about potential undetected spread in the region.
Indian health authorities have confirmed the nation's first case of the more virulent clade 1b mpox strain. The patient, a 38-year-old man, was hospitalized in Kerala after returning from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This development marks India as the third country outside Africa to report this strain, following Thailand and Sweden last month.
Health officials are currently monitoring 66 individuals who had contact with the patient, including 29 friends and family members, as well as 37 fellow airline passengers. As of now, none have exhibited symptoms of the disease.
This case raises concerns about potential undetected circulation of clade 1b in the UAE. Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, a spokesperson for the Infectious Disease Society of America, suggested that underreporting might occur due to stigma, particularly in regions where homosexuality is criminalized.
The clade 1b variant, first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023, has spread to 14 African countries, resulting in over 26,500 infections and 724 fatalities since January 2024. This rapid spread prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global health crisis in August 2024, echoing the steps taken for COVID-19 in February 2020.
It's important to note that mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was first discovered in 1958 in research monkeys. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The virus belongs to the same family as smallpox and has an incubation period of 6 to 13 days, though it can range from 5 to 21 days.
India had previously reported approximately 30 cases and one death from the less severe clade 2 strain between 2022 and March 2024, with an additional case earlier this month. The global mpox outbreak in 2022 affected over 100 countries, primarily spreading among men who have sex with men.
Mpox transmission occurs through close physical contact, including sexual activity. Unlike COVID-19, there is no evidence of easy airborne spread. However, the virus can survive on surfaces, making fomite transmission possible.
"The WHO recommends using the term 'mpox' instead of 'monkeypox' to reduce stigma and discrimination that can act as barriers to care."
Health experts emphasize the importance of awareness and preventive measures. The smallpox vaccine has shown approximately 85% effectiveness in preventing mpox. Additionally, antiviral drugs developed for smallpox, such as tecovirimat, can be used to treat severe cases.
As the situation evolves, global health authorities continue to monitor the spread of clade 1b and its potential impact on public health. The emergence of this more dangerous strain underscores the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation in managing infectious disease threats.
