India has reported its first case of a new strain of smallpox, known as Clade 1b, in Kerala. This new strain is highly transmissible and has been linked to smallpox outbreaks in Africa. The case involves a 38-year-old man from Kerala who recently returned from Dubai. Mpox, an infectious virus previously called monkeypox, causes painful lesions on the skin and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

Case Details and Response in Kerala

Manisha Verma, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the patient from Malappuram district has been diagnosed with clade 1 strain. He is currently undergoing treatment in hospital. Health authorities monitor and supervise persons who are in contact with the patient. This includes about 29 friends, family members and 37 passengers who were traveling with him on the same flight. So far, none of them have shown symptoms, according to local officials.

In the past two years, India has reported more than 30 cases of measles linked to an older, less contagious clade 2 strain. Earlier this month, another case of the new strain was discovered in a man from Haryana, who has since been discharged after treatment. The virus spreads through close human contact, including skin-to-skin contact, sexual activity and respiratory droplets.

Government advisory and preventive measures

The federal government has issued an alert urging all states to be on alert for possible measles cases. To aid in diagnosis, 35 laboratories have been set up across the country for testing. Health authorities continue to closely monitor the situation to prevent further transmission.