Monkeypox scare in India: Health Ministry confirms suspected case, orders isolation

New Delhi: A man who recently arrived in India from abroad is under suspicion of being infected with the monkeypox (Mpox) virus, the Health Ministry confirmed on Sunday. The individual has been placed in isolation and admitted to a hospital for treatment. His current condition is reported as stable, with authorities awaiting test results to confirm the presence of the Mpox virus.

In line with established protocols, the ministry is conducting contact tracing to identify potential sources of the infection and assess the risk of further transmission. “The case is being managed according to international health guidelines,” said the ministry in its statement.

More on the Mpox case and situation 

This is not the first time India has faced a possible Mpox case. Last year, a man in Kerala returning from the Middle East tested positive for monkeypox, marking one of the earliest cases in the country. Similar to the current case, the Kerala patient was promptly isolated, and contact tracing measures were initiated to prevent the virus from spreading.

Authorities have since taken steps to bolster preparedness and response to Mpox, following the World Health Organization’s guidelines.As of now, India's health system remains on high alert, with state and central authorities closely monitoring developments.