India Reports Isolated Mpox Case, Not Linked to New Strain
Detected strain is Clade 2, not the Clade 1b strain that has been causing concern globally: Indian Ministry of Health
New Delhi, September 10, 2024 – India has confirmed an isolated case of mpox, but it has been established that the case is not related to the newly identified strain of the virus, Clade 1b, which has prompted a global health alert.
Details of the Case
The Indian Ministry of Health reported on Sunday that a suspected case of mpox had been identified in a person returning from abroad. The individual was promptly isolated at a designated health facility. Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the mpox virus but indicated it was of the Clade 2 strain, specifically the West African variant.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry clarified that the detected strain is Clade 2, not the Clade 1b strain that has been causing concern globally. “This case is an isolated instance and does not fall under the current public health emergency related to Clade 1 of mpox as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO),” the statement read.
Current Situation and Public Health Measures
The individual, a young male who recently traveled from a region experiencing ongoing mpox transmission, remains isolated at a tertiary care facility. Health authorities are implementing robust public health measures, including contact tracing and monitoring, to ensure containment of the situation.
There have been no further reports of mpox caused by the new Clade 1b strain in India. The Ministry emphasized that there is no indication of any widespread risk to the public at this time.
Global Context and WHO Alert
The resurgence of mpox and the emergence of the Clade 1b strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) led the WHO to declare its highest international alert level on August 14, 2024. Clade 1b was first detected in September 2023 among sex workers in eastern DRC and has since spread to nearby countries including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, as well as to regions in Asia and Europe.
The global health community is closely monitoring the situation, given the potential for further spread of Clade 1b. However, India’s isolated case, attributed to the Clade 2 strain, is not linked to the broader public health emergency.
Ongoing Monitoring and Response
India’s health officials continue to emphasize vigilance and preparedness. Public health measures remain in place to monitor and address any potential outbreaks promptly. The country is committed to managing the situation effectively and ensuring public safety.
As the global community navigates the complexities of mpox, India’s experience underscores the importance of accurate surveillance and timely responses in managing infectious disease threats.
