India reports isolated Mpox case, no threat linked to WHO emergency: Centre

New Delhi: The Indian government has confirmed a new case of mpox (monkeypox) in the country, although it stressed that this is an isolated incident and not linked to the global public health emergency strain declared by the World Health Organization (WHO). The individual, who had recently traveled to India from a country with active mpox transmission, was placed in isolation after showing symptoms of the virus.

Government statement on isolated case

In a statement released by the Union Health Ministry, officials clarified that the case is a "travel-related infection." Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the West African clade 2 of the mpox virus, which is different from the clade 1 variant currently causing global concern.

"The previously suspected case of mpox has been confirmed as a travel-related infection. The virus detected belongs to the West African clade 2, similar to the 30 earlier cases reported in India since July 2022. This case is isolated and is not part of the ongoing global health emergency involving clade 1 of mpox," the ministry stated.

#HealthForAll

Presence of #Mpox virus of West African clade 2 confirmed in Isolated Patient

Clade 2, not part of the current public health emergency

Patient stable, no immediate risk to publichttps://t.co/Kcl09B6Eb2

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) September 9, 2024

The patient is currently receiving treatment in a designated isolation facility. "The patient remains clinically stable with no significant systemic illness or comorbidities," added the ministry.

Containment measures in place

Public health authorities have initiated standard containment protocols, including contact tracing and monitoring. "There is no widespread risk to the public at this time. All necessary public health measures have been activated to ensure the virus does not spread," the statement assured.

Advisory issued to states, UTs

Following the detection of this case, the Central Government issued a fresh advisory to states and Union Territories. They were instructed to remain vigilant and follow established guidelines for surveillance, isolation, and treatment of suspected or confirmed cases of mpox.

The WHO declared the recent mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14, after a new, more dangerous variant of the virus was identified.

What is Mpox Virus?

The mpox virus is related to smallpox and was first identified in 1958 in lab monkeys. It is endemic to tropical rainforests in Central and West Africa. The virus spreads through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, or animals. Symptoms include fever, rash, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, lasting for up to four weeks.