Mpox clade 1b, the strain declared public health emergency by WHO, found in Kerala

The first case of Mpox clade 1b has been detected in Kerala's Malappuram. The virus has been identified in a 38 year old man who traveled to India from the United Arab Emirates.

Health Ministry spokesperson Manisha Verma has confirmed the strain. The case found in Kerala is South Asia's first recorded case from the new strain.

"India reports first MPOX clade 1 case, which was reported from Kerala Malappuram last week. The patient is a 38-year-old man who traveled from the UAE; this is the strain after which WHO declared a public health emergency," sources told news agency PTI.

Clade 1b was declared public health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on August 14 after the new strain was found spreading to neighboring countries after being identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo.


Another mpox case was identified in India in Delhi, but it was of the Clade 2 strain.

What were the mpox symptoms seen in the infected man?

"The man had a fever and rash similar to chickenpox on his body, after which the doctor got suspicious and sent a sample for testing," they added. About 29 friends and family members of the patient along with 37 passengers on his flight are being monitored at home but none of them have shown any mpox symptoms so far, Malappuram district's nodal officer, Dr. Shubin C, told Reuters on Monday.

Can mpox kill?

While it can cause serious illness, it is not typically fatal in most cases; but can kill in rare cases. The severity of the infection depends on the individual’s health, the virus strain, and access to medical care. Symptoms include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash that often starts on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.

In rare instances, complications can arise, such as pneumonia, sepsis, or encephalitis, which can be life-threatening, especially in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying health conditions. Children and pregnant women may also face higher risks. The overall mortality rate varies between 1% and 10%, depending on the region and virus strain. Early detection, proper medical care, and vaccination significantly reduce the risk of severe outcomes, making fatalities relatively rare in well-equipped healthcare settings.

Do Indians have immunity against Clade 1b?

"Similar to other cultures, Indians typically lack innate immunity to the mpox virus unless they have had prior exposure to it or a closely related virus, such as the smallpox virus. The smallpox immunization offers some cross-protection against mpox, although it was stopped once smallpox was eradicated. However, younger generations are probably more susceptible because the smallpox immunization was discontinued decades ago," says Dr. Dr. Muzamil Sultan, Senior Registrar- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram.

"Indians may be somewhat immune to several diseases owing to vaccinations or prior exposure, though this varies from person to person. Immunity is influenced by things including past infections, immunizations, and general health. The population's level of immunity to newly discovered diseases varies and isn't always guaranteed," adds Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of Critical Care and Pulmonology , CK Birla Hospital Gurugram.

Can masks and sanitizers work against the mpox virus?

"The mpox virus can be stopped from spreading by using masks and hand sanitizers, especially when it comes to avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces or respiratory droplets. Close contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated items or surfaces are the three main ways that mpox can spread. Reduce the risk of transmission by wearing masks, especially in close-contact situations, and practicing frequent hand washing with soap and water or hand sanitizers. These protections are not infallible, though, therefore it is advised to take extra care. Infected patients should be isolated, and high-risk groups should be vaccinated," advises Dr. Sultan.