India Records First Case of Fast-Spreading Mpox Clade 1b in Kerala

India reported its first case of the rapidly spreading mpox clade 1b in the southern state of Kerala. The patient, a 38-year-old man from the United Arab Emirates, is receiving treatment, while 66 individuals who had contact with him are being monitored. Federal authorities previously issued a caution due to the new strain’s global spread.

India announced on Monday its first case of the fast-spreading mpox clade 1b strain in the southern state of Kerala, marking a significant health concern for the region.

The 38-year-old patient, who had recently traveled from the United Arab Emirates, is currently being treated at a government medical college hospital. Health officials are monitoring 66 people who had contact with him, though none have shown symptoms so far, according to Malappuram district's nodal officer, Dr. Shubin C.

The federal Health Ministry, alerted by Manisha Verma, confirmed the strain after earlier advisories to brace for potential cases. This development follows a global health emergency declaration by the World Health Organization, as the new strain spreads from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries. India had previously reported 30 cases and one death from the older clade 2 strain.