India reports first suspected mpox case; patient's condition stable

India on Sunday reported the first suspected case of mpox virus in a young male patient, who had recently travelled from a country witnessing an outbreak of the disease.

In a statement, the Union Health Ministry did not clarify which city the case was found in.

“A young male patient, who recently travelled from a country currently experiencing mpox transmission, has been identified as a suspect case of mpox,” a communication from the ministry stated.

The patient has been put under isolation in a designated hospital, and is currently stable. Samples from the patient are currently being tested to confirm the presence of mpox.

“The case is being managed in line with established protocols, and contact tracing is ongoing to identify potential sources and assess the impact within the country,” the ministry added.

Highlighting that there was no cause for concern, the ministry added that the country is fully prepared to deal with such isolated travel-related cases and has robust measures in place to manage and mitigate any potential risk.

India’s health apparatus has been on alert ever since the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified mpox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) after a surge in cases in African countries last month.

Cases were also found in countries such as Sweden and Pakistan, swinging state and central health authorities in India into action.

Mpox, or monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, which can be transmitted through direct contact with infectious skin or other lesions (mouth, genitals). Infection can also occur via use of contaminated objects such as clothing or linens or in a community setting.