Mpox virus of West African Clade 2 confirmed in isolated patient in India

New Delhi: The presence of the Mpox virus, specifically from the West African Clade 2, has been confirmed in a patient in India. Laboratory tests have validated that the infection is travel-related, marking it as an isolated case rather than part of the ongoing global public health emergency linked to Mpox. This emergency, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO), pertains to Clade 1 of the virus.

The patient, a young male who recently returned from a country with active Mpox transmission, is currently being treated at a designated tertiary care isolation facility. He remains clinically stable, with no signs of systemic illness or underlying health conditions, according to health authorities.

This case is one of several instances of travel-related Mpox infections in India, with the country having reported 30 cases since July 2022. However, officials have clarified that this recent case does not signal a broader public health risk, and stringent safety measures have been put in place to manage the situation. Contact tracing and health monitoring are actively being conducted to ensure that the virus does not spread further.

Public health authorities have emphasized that there is no immediate risk to the general public, and the situation continues to be managed under established protocols. While the patient is being closely monitored, no signs of widespread infection have been detected, offering reassurance to the public.