India Reports First Suspected Case of Mpox Virus.

New Delhi:

India has reported its first suspected case of mpox, also known as monkeypox, involving a young male patient who recently traveled from a country experiencing an outbreak of the virus. The Union Health Ministry confirmed the case on Sunday but did not specify the city where it was identified.

The patient is currently isolated in a designated hospital and is reported to be stable. Samples from the patient are being tested to confirm the presence of mpox. The health authorities are following established protocols for managing the case and conducting contact tracing to identify potential sources of the infection and assess its impact.

The ministry reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for concern, emphasizing that India is well-prepared to handle isolated travel-related cases of mpox. Robust measures are in place to manage and mitigate any potential risks associated with the virus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) due to a surge in cases, particularly in African countries. Cases have also been reported in countries like Sweden and Pakistan, prompting heightened vigilance from health authorities in India.

Mpox is a zoonotic disease transmitted through direct contact with infectious lesions or contaminated objects such as clothing and linens.