India has reported its first Clade 1b strain mpox (monkeypox) case in Kerala. The patient, a 38-year-old man from Malappuram, recently travelled to the United Arab Emirates, announced the central government officials. His condition is reportedly stable but he is being monitored.
More than 70 people are in contact with the infected person as per the Kerala health department and none of them have symptoms till now. This is the first case associated with the new Clade 1b strain that has been associated with increased virulence, an official was quoted as saying by Business Today.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in 2022, and 30 cases have been documented in India since then. These cases were primarily linked to the Clade 2 strain. The WHO again declared Mpox a PHEIC on August 14, 2024.
The monkeypox virus comprises two clades: Clade 1 and Clade 2. Patients in Clade 1, previously known as the Congo Basin clade, have increased severity and have been confirmed in countries other than Africa such as Sweden and Thailand. On the other hand, Clade 2 used to be referred to as the West African clade is mild and has a low R0, currently accounting for the majority of global monkeypox cases in 2022 and 2023.
Common Symptoms of Clade 1b Mpox as per WHO:
- Rash: The rash usually starts in the face and disseminates to other parts of the body such as the palms and soles. It begins on flat areas that gradually become red spots and swelling that turns into painful water-filled blisters. The rash may take two to four weeks to heal after which the skin will return to its normal colour but may be prolonged in immunocompromised individuals.
- Fever: It is one of the earliest signs that may develop along with the rash or be the first noticeable sign, and is common among patients.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymphadenopathy, in particular, is the symptom which can help different mpox from other similar diseases.
- Other symptoms include headache, muscle ache, back pain, low energy, and sore throat.
Dr Badal Taori, Consultant General Medicine at Medicover Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, told HT Lifestyle, “Mpox is a type of serious viral infection caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV). It can manifest a range of symptoms like fever, chills and swollen lymph nodes often accompanied by painful rashes that may look like pimples or blisters.”
Transmission of Mpox
Mpox mostly spreads through respiratory droplets and direct skin-to-skin, mouth-to-skin, face to face contact with an affected person. This high risk is associated with those people who have multiple sexual partners. It can also be transmitted via contaminated clothing, through a needle stick and during pregnancy subjecting the fetus to risks. Transmission from animals to humans occurs through contact with infected animals, especially through bite, contact with body fluids and consumption of infected animals or parts of animals. The origin of the virus from animals has not been identified.
Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine at Gleneagles Hospitals in Parel, Mumbai, told HT Lifestyle, “One will notice the symptoms of Mpox within 6-15 days after exposure. This disease tends to spread from person to person mainly when one comes in contact with someone who has Mpox.”
Self-Care And Prevention As Per WHO:
Do’s
- Depending on the severity of the side effects, see your doctor or other health care provider.
- Self-isolate in a well-aerated room.
- Wash hands often.
- Wear a mask and cover lesions when in contact with other people.
- Avoid skin contact with other people.
- Disinfect shared spaces.
- The mouth sores should be rinsed with salt water and the body sores in a warm bath.
- Take medicines like Paracetamol for pain relief and control.
Don’ts
- Pop blisters or scratch sores.
- Shave the skin which has lesions until they are healed.
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