The recent detection of the Mpox clade 1b case in Malappuram, Kerala, is notable as it marks South Asia’s first recorded instance of this strain. The patient, a 38-year-old man who traveled from the UAE, experienced fever and a rash similar to chickenpox, which led to further testing.

Health authorities are monitoring 29 close contacts and 37 fellow passengers from his flight, all of whom currently show no symptoms. The World Health Organization declared clade 1b a public health emergency on August 14 due to its spread to neighboring countries after being identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

While Mpox can lead to serious illness, deaths are rare and typically occur in immunocompromised individuals or those with existing health issues. Symptoms include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash that can spread across the body. Early detection and proper medical care are essential for reducing the severity of the disease.

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