World Health Organization (WHO) official announcements

India Reports First Mpox Clade 1b Case in Malappuram, South Asia

Sep 23, 2024, 10:34 AM

India has reported its first case of the Clade 1b variant of the Mpox virus, which has been declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). The patient, a 38-year-old man from Kerala's Malappuram district, tested positive after returning from the UAE. This marks the first recorded case of this fast-spreading strain in South Asia. The Clade 1b variant has raised global concern due to its rapid spread and limited knowledge about the strain. India joins the list of countries outside Africa to confirm a case of this variant.