India has recently reported its first case of the Mpox Clade 1b strain, which recently triggered a global alert from the World Health Organization. The case involves a 38-year-old man from Kerala, who tested positive for the Clade 1b strain after returning from the UAE. Kerala saw the first of its kind and upheld urgent health surveillance and response measures.
Mpox Clade 1b India News
The infected person is a resident of Malappuram district and is undergoing treatment at a government medical college hospital. According to Kerala health officials, he is stable. State authorities launched contact tracing after the case of Mpox Clade 1b. They monitored around 29 friends and family members as well as 37 passengers who boarded the same flight. Up to now, none of them manifests the Mpox Clade 1b symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
State Response: Increased State of Alertness and Preparedness
Kerala Health Minister Veena George said the public should be more vigilant and report the symptoms immediately, especially those returning from abroad. She added that Mpox Clade 1b treatment and isolation facilities have been established across state-run hospitals and additional resources at medical colleges.
Thus, in its previous preparations for Mpox outbreaks, the state had released a SoP to expedite the isolation, sample taking, and treatment protocol.
The infection control measure-the strictest, indeed-must be observed by the health care workers handling patient samples, and an infection control measure must be maintained, said Minister George.
Mpox Clade 1b Symptoms, Transmission, and
This Clade 1b strain has been in the spotlight due to the recent Mpox outbreak. It has been declared an emergency according to WHO as the potential for rapid person-to-person transmission, along with severe complications.
Mpox is primarily transmitted through increased and prolonged contact with infected persons. The infections tend to be self-limiting in two to four weeks and most patients recover with supportive care. In the immunocompromised, however, the person could suffer complications of the disease, bringing about the higher mortality rate of Mpox Clade 1b in these at-risk groups.
Mpox Clade 1b Fatality Rate
No study is done on the fatality rate of Mpox Clade 1b; the mortality rate due to disease varies between 1% and 10%, based on clade and access to healthcare.
Mpox Clade 1b Treatment and Vaccine
Mpox currently lacks an antiviral therapy, although supportive care is integral in management of symptoms. The Mpox Clade 1b vaccine, which was rolled out to protect the population from the infection of smallpox, may also play a role in preventing the illness and is effective in the reduction of the severity of Mpox. Health authorities of Kerala are verifying the fact that the concerned health professionals and the population at risk are being advised about vaccination and treatment.
The detection of Mpox Clade 1b in India has been a very significant point of the country’s public health scenario. Though the patient is stable in Kerala, the case calls for high vigilance in and around Kerala and alerts the neighboring regions to continue with appropriate reporting of symptoms and adhere strictly to the treatment protocols. It is to be ensured through vigilant healthcare workers and the public that the spread of this new version of Mpox is controlled in India itself.
With this, the health ministry has appealed to the people to remain on high alert and take anticipatory precautions while promptly reporting any suspected symptoms of Mpox Clade 1b as the State strengthens its surveillance and treatment protocols.
FAQ:
What is mpox clade 1b?
According to WHO, it’s an illness caused by the monkeypox virus.
Is mpox the same as monkeypox?
Yes
How to avoid mpox?
Thoroughly cook all food items that contain meat and also always sanitise your hands.
What are the complications of mpox?
Complications include severe skin infection by bacteria, mpox affecting the brain, heart, and lungs, as well as eye disease.
