First suspected Mpox case in India under investigation; patient isolated, no cause for concern, says Govt

The government reported the first suspected case of Mpox in India on Sunday, stating that there was no cause for concern as the situation aligned with the risk assessments by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

“Health authorities are investigating a suspected case of Mpox (monkeypox) in a young male patient who recently returned from a country currently experiencing an outbreak of the disease. The patient has been placed in isolation at a designated hospital and is reported to be in stable condition,” the government said.

Samples have been collected for testing to confirm if the patient is infected with Mpox. Meanwhile, authorities are carrying out contact tracing to identify potential sources of transmission and assess any possible impact within the country.

The report stated that the situation aligns with previous risk assessments by th (NCDC, emphasising that there is no reason for undue alarm. "The country is well-prepared to handle isolated travel-related cases, and robust measures are in place to manage any potential risks," the statement said. The health ministry has reiterated that protocols for the containment and treatment of such cases are being strictly followed.

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. According to WHO, two different clades exist: clade I and clade II. Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact, touch, kissing, or sex with someone who is infectious. It also spreads through animals, when hunting, skinning, or cooking them; contaminated materials like sheets, clothes or needles.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the outbreak of Mpox in Africa a global health emergency on August 14.