Health Scare on Grains Ship Quelled by Negative Mpox Test

A suspected mpox virus case aboard a quarantined grains cargo ship in Argentina tested negative, confirming chicken pox instead. Health officials quarantined the ship in Parana River after an Indian crew member exhibited symptoms. WHO recently declared mpox a global health emergency due to rapid spread in Africa.

Health officials in Argentina announced on Wednesday that a suspected mpox virus case aboard a quarantined grains cargo ship tested negative.

The crew member, an Indian national, had developed cyst-like skin lesions while traveling near Rosario, prompting authorities to quarantine the ship in the Parana River.

However, the health ministry confirmed the individual was infected with chicken pox. This development follows WHO's declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency after the virus spread rapidly in Africa, with recent cases detected outside the continent.

(With inputs from agencies.)