India Reports Suspected Mpox Case in Traveler, Initiates Protocols
India identifies a suspected mpox case in a traveler from an outbreak-affected country. The patient is isolated and stable, with authorities conducting contact tracing and further tests.
India's health ministry has reported a suspected case of mpox in an individual who recently returned from a country experiencing an outbreak of the virus. The patient is currently under isolation in a hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease first discovered in 1958 in research monkeys. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The virus belongs to the same family as smallpox and is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa.
The health ministry has not specified which strain of the mpox virus the patient might have contracted. However, tests are being conducted to confirm the infection. Mpox typically spreads through close contact and presents with flu-like symptoms and characteristic pus-filled lesions on the body.
"The case is being managed in line with established protocols, and contact tracing is ongoing to identify potential sources and assess the impact within the country."
Symptoms of mpox usually appear 6-13 days after exposure but can range from 5-21 days. The illness typically lasts for 2-4 weeks. While usually mild, mpox can be fatal in rare cases, with a mortality rate of up to 10%, particularly in young children.
This suspected case comes in the context of a global mpox outbreak that has affected over 80 countries since 2022. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern due to the identification of a new variant.
India has been on high alert since reports of a new virulent strain in Africa emerged last month. Between 2022 and March 2024, the country had already detected 30 cases of an older strain, known as clade 2.
It's worth noting that the smallpox vaccine is about 85% effective in preventing mpox, and antiviral drugs developed for smallpox may also be effective against the virus. The WHO renamed the disease from "monkeypox" to "mpox" in November 2022 to reduce stigma.
As authorities continue their investigation and contact tracing efforts, it's important to remember that mpox can infect a wide range of mammalian species, not just monkeys. The virus can spread from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or consumption of infected animals.
This developing situation underscores the importance of global health surveillance and rapid response protocols in managing emerging infectious diseases.
