India Confirms Older Mpox Strain Amid Global Health Concerns

India confirmed an older strain of mpox in a recent traveler, differentiating it from the newer, rapidly spreading strain declared a global health emergency. The government has advised states to remain vigilant as the new strain poses significant risks to vulnerable populations, including children and immunocompromised individuals.

India announced on Monday that a recently reported mpox case in a traveler involves the older strain of the virus, not the fast-spreading new strain that has been classified as a global health emergency. According to a government statement, laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the West African clade 2 mpox virus in the patient, marking it as one of 30 similar cases reported since July 2022.

While India has yet to detect any cases of the newer mpox strain, the government issued an advisory earlier on Monday, urging all states to remain vigilant and prepared for potential cases. This advisory comes in response to the rapid global spread of the new strain, which has led the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency for the second consecutive year.

Mpox generally presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. Although typically mild, the virus can be fatal, particularly for children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, including those living with HIV.

(With inputs from agencies.)