In a significant development, health officials in India have confirmed the first case of the more virulent Monkeypox strain, raising concerns about its potential spread within the country and beyond. The infected individual, a foreign national who recently arrived in India, is currently isolated and receiving treatment at a designated government hospital.
The Monkeypox strain, which has been identified as the West African Congo Basin strain, is known for its higher fatality rate compared to the Central African strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been closely monitoring the global spread of the virus, particularly due to an unusual outbreak this year that began in May.
Authorities in India are working diligently to trace the contacts of the infected individual to prevent further transmission. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been tasked with conducting genomic sequencing of the virus isolate to confirm the strain and understand its potential mutations.
Health experts have emphasized the need for vigilance and swift action to contain the virus. They remind the public that the virus does not spread easily between people who do not have close contact and that basic precautions such as regular hand washing, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and wearing protective clothing when caring for them can help prevent spread.
This development comes as several countries across the world have reported cases of the Monkeypox virus, leading the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern. As the global health community continues to respond to this evolving situation, India is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and health of its citizens.