The first case of Clade 1b of Mpox has been reported in India, which is linked to the strain declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The first case of Clade 1b of Mpox has been reported in India, which is linked to the strain declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The first case of Clade 1b of Mpox has been reported in India, which is related to the strain declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). This case has been found in Malappuram district of Kerala. According to reports, the infected patient is a 38-year-old man, who recently returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). At present, the condition of the patient is said to be stable.
Ampox is a viral zoonotic disease that spreads through infected skin lesions or contact with infected clothing and bedding. The disease spreads from animals to humans and between humans through direct contact. WHO has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) twice - first in July 2022 and then in August 2024, when the number of cases began to increase worldwide.
In India, the Clade 1b strain of this virus has been detected for the first time in Kerala, making it a matter of concern. Earlier, a case of Clade 2 strain was reported in Delhi, which did not fall under the WHO emergency warning.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of monkeypox can begin within 14 days of infection. Early symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck or armpits. These early symptoms usually last for one to four days, after which a rash and lesions develop on the skin. The skin lesions can often be confused with chickenpox, but in monkeypox these lesions often appear on the face, hands, feet, and chest. The special thing is that monkeypox lesions can also occur on the palms and soles of the hands and feet, whereas this is less common in chickenpox. In severe cases, these lesions can also occur around the genitals, as well as painful swelling in the lymph nodes of the groin. In addition, rare cases of mouth ulcers and swelling in the eyes may also occur.
How to prevent?
Due to the global spread of ampox, health experts have advised to be cautious to prevent this disease. The virus spreads mainly through skin-to-skin contact. Therefore, one should avoid close or sexual contact with any person who is showing symptoms of ampox. Apart from this, it is advisable to avoid contact with the personal use items of the patients such as clothes, bedding or other things. Health experts also recommend that the infected person be isolated and treated as soon as possible. People living around the infected person should also take precautions to avoid infection. Wearing a mask and regularly cleaning hands with soap or sanitizer are important measures to prevent infection.
Preparations and situation in India
In view of the recent rise in cases, the Union Health Ministry has directed all states and union territories to be cautious and intensify the investigation and testing of potential ampox cases. Along with this, necessary resources have been prepared in hospitals and doctors have been alerted so that any emergency can be dealt with.