Clade 1b variant of Mpox, which was declared a public health emergency by WHO, has been detected for the first time in India in Malappuram.
Published Sep 23, 2024 | 11:06 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 23, 2024 | 11:06 PM
Representative image of Mpox vaccine
A new and more aggressive strain of Mpox, known as clade 1b, has been detected for the first time in India. A 38-year-old man from Edavanna in Kerala’s Malappuram has tested positive for this particular strain of Mpox.
He had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates and is currently under treatment. A high-ranking official in Kerala health department, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told South First, “The confirmed variant in Malappuram is Mpox clade 1b. It poses a risk, given its high transmissibility and mortality rate. The government is expected to release a comprehensive precautionary plan by tomorrow. The patient is stable.”
The state health department is urging the public, particularly those returning from overseas, to notify authorities and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of Mpox. Fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes are the symptoms to watch for and Mpox spreads through prolonged and close contact with an infected individual.
In a recent social media update, Kerala Health Minister Veena George emphasised the importance of control measures for health workers handling samples related to the Mpox outbreak. She announced that state-run hospitals across various districts are establishing treatment and isolation facilities for affected individuals, with all medical colleges prepared to provide necessary care.
Veena George urged the public to stay vigilant, especially as the state health department has intensified surveillance at airports following the Centre’s guidelines due to outbreak in several African nations. Travellers arriving from these regions are advised to report any symptoms to airport authorities.
Since the Mpox outbreak was first identified in 2022, the state has implemented a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) to manage the situation, ensuring effective isolation, sample collection, and treatment. The health minister called on all hospitals to strictly adhere to these guidelines, noting that Mpox infections are typically self-limiting, lasting between two to four weeks. Most patients recover with appropriate supportive care.
State health minister Veena George said that the state will soon release updated guidelines for the prevention and treatment of Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) as the state intensifies its efforts to control the spread of infectious diseases.
The announcement follows a meeting of the State Level Rapid Response Team (RRT), which evaluated the current public health scenario, including recent concerns about the Mpox case reported in Malappuram.
Currently, testing for Mpox is available at five laboratories, with plans to expand testing if necessary.
As part of the broader health guidelines, the Minister stressed that both public and private hospitals should immediately report any suspected Mpox cases to the health department for swift intervention.
In addition to the focus on Mpox, the RRT addressed the rising threat of various communicable diseases exacerbated by intermittent rains. Diseases such as dengue, rabies, H1N1 influenza, malaria, and jaundice are currently prevalent in the state.
Health experts emphasised the need for professional medical attention for any persistent fevers and highlighted the importance of correctly diagnosing the type of fever for effective treatment.
India has reported at least 32 cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, since the infection was first identified in the country in 2022.
The emergence of Clade 1b has raised concerns due to its classification as a deadlier strain, particularly as it has been detected in parts of Congo and neighbouring countries where infections were previously unknown. This strain has also shown a capacity for sexual transmission, a mode not seen in earlier Clade 1 infections.
Mpox is a viral infection caused by the Mpox virus (MPXV) and is typically self-limiting. The most common symptoms include high-grade fever, headache, muscle and back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and pox-like rashes that can persist for two to three weeks.
(Edited by Rosamma Thomas)
