Mpox Clade 1 India: The first case of Mpox strain ‘Clade 1b’, which had prompted the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare the current outbreak a global health emergency, was reported in a patient in Kerala on Monday. The first case of the deadly strain was discovered in the Malappuram district in a 38-year-old man, who tested positive last week. He had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates.
Caused by the monkeypox virus, the WHO lists two clades of monkeypox virus: clade I with sub-clades Ia and Ib, and clade II with subclades IIa and IIb (a global outbreak of this clade started in 2022 and continues in some African countries). According to WHO figures, as of August 2024, clade Ib has also been detected beyond Africa.
AS per official sources, quoted by news agency PTI, the patient is currently stable and undergoing treatment, while contract-tracing efforts are underway.
“…this was the first case of the current strain that led to the World Health Organization declaring Mpox a public health emergency last month for a second time,” the sources were quoted as saying by the agency.
Mpox Clade 1 India: Common Symptoms
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the symptoms of mpox usually appear within 1 to 21 days and last 2 to 4 weeks, especially longer in those with weakened immune systems. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads to other body parts as blisters. Severity varies, with complications including painful swelling in the rectal area and discomfort during urination or swallowing.
-Rash
-Fever
-Sore throat
-Headache
-Swollen lymph nodes
Mpox Clade 1 India: Preventive Measures
-First, ensure that high-risk groups receive mpox vaccinations to reduce the severity of symptoms.
-Avoid close contact with anyone showing signs of mpox, especially those with rashes or sores.
-Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly with soap and water and avoiding touching the face, can help prevent transmission.
-Wearing triple-layer or N95 masks provides protection against inhaling infected respiratory droplets.
-Safe sex practices, including using condoms and openly discussing health status, can reduce the risk of transmission among sexually active individuals.
-Infected people should isolate until fully recovered to prevent spreading the virus to others.
