Mpox Clade 1b in India: Key Information

 India recently reported its first case of the Mpox Clade 1b strain in September 2024, detected in a 38-year-old man from Malappuram, Kerala, who had returned from the UAE. This strain is considered more virulent and has prompted heightened surveillance and preventive measures across the country. Authorities are monitoring those who had contact with the patient, and isolation facilities have been set up in Kerala and other states. 

This case marks the second occurrence of Mpox in India this year, but the first involving Clade 1b. The previous case involved the less severe Clade 2 strain in Haryana. 

Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, is a viral disease that has resurfaced globally with various clades (subtypes). Clade 1b, a specific strain of the Mpox virus, has been reported in India. It’s important to understand that different clades of viruses are like different branches of a family tree—they share a common origin but have variations.

Mpox Clade 1b in India: Key Information

1. What is Clade 1b? Clade 1b is a subtype of the Mpox virus, related to the West African strain, which tends to have milder symptoms compared to the Central African strain. Think of it as a version of the virus that is less aggressive but still infectious.

2. Transmission & Symptoms: Mpox spreads primarily through close contact, including skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash or sores, much like chickenpox but with lesions more localized.

3. India's Preparedness: India has been monitoring cases of Mpox Clade 1b closely, especially after the resurgence of cases globally in 2022. The government has issued guidelines to prevent outbreaks, focusing on early detection, isolation, and vaccination efforts, much like how it tackled the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Prevention and Vaccination: Smallpox vaccines are considered effective against Mpox, as both viruses belong to the same family (Poxviridae). However, since these vaccines are not widely available, the focus is on public awareness, hygiene practices, and early isolation to control the spread of the virus.

Mpox Clade 1b might not be as severe as some other variants, but vigilance is crucial to prevent its spread. It’s like preventing a small fire from turning into a wildfire by acting early.