Indian Government on High Alert: First Case of Mpox Virus Detected in Kerala

With the arrival of a young man from a country experiencing an outbreak of Mpox, India has reported its first case of Mpox. The Union Health Ministry confirmed the case on September 8, stating that the individual has been identified as the country’s first possible Mpox patient.

Reportedly, a 38-year-old man from Kerala, a southern state, has returned from Dubai and has tested positive for the strain. The patient has been isolated in a specialized hospital. The spokeperson confirmed that samples have been collected to determine if the individual is infected with Mpox.

Indian Government on High Alert

The case is being handled according to established health protocols, with contact tracing efforts underway to identify possible sources of infection and assess its impact across the country. These actions align with the risk assessment previously conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The Health Ministry assured that India is well-prepared to address travel-related cases of Mpox, with comprehensive measures already in place to manage potential risks effectively.

Mpox: Another Epidemic?

On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a new strain of the virus called Clade I has emerged, making Mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). WHO stated that the new strain is cause for alarm because of the startling 537 verified deaths out of the 15,600 cases reported this year.

WHO further noted that new countries and continents are getting affected by this virus including number of African nations that had not previously reported the illness. The present increase in cases in central and eastern Africa can be attributed to the new strain detected, Clade I. This new variety of virus is said to be more harmful compared to Clade II. 

Clade I has resulted in more cases of severe diseases than the previous strain; up to 10% of its cases have been fatal. However, the death rate during recent outbreaks has been substantially lower, ranging from 3.3% to 1%.

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What is Mpox Virus?

Mpox is a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). This strain of virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family, alongside viruses like smallpox, cowpox, and vaccinia. 

It often leads to painful rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headaches, muscle and back pain, and fatigue. While most people recover fully, some may experience severe illness.

How is Mpox Virus Transmitted?

The most common way that mpox spreads from person to person is through close contact with an infected individual, especially a household member. In addition to skin-to-skin interactions like kissing or caressing, close contact can also refer to being in close proximity to someone who has mpox (e.g., chatting or breathing closely enough to spread infectious respiratory particles).

The chance of getting mpox is increased in those who have several sexual partners.

Additionally, mpox can spread through infected items like linens or clothing, needle injuries received in medical settings, or public places like tattoo parlors.

Mpox Epidemic: Symptoms

Mpox symptoms usually appear within a week of exposure but can take anywhere from 1 to 21 days to show up. They typically last 2 to 4 weeks, though they may last longer in people with weak immune systems.

Common mpox symptoms include: 

- a rash 

- fever 

- sore throat 

- headache 

- muscle and back pain 

- feeling tired 

- swollen lymph nodes.

Complications from mpox increase the risk of serious illness and death in children, pregnant women, and anyone with weakened immune systems, particularly those living with uncontrolled HIV. 

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