NEW DELHI: India has reported detection of a suspected case of mpox, with the health ministry assuring the public that "strict measures" are in place to address the situation.
The patient, a young male who recently travelled from a country experiencing mpox transmission, is currently in isolation at a designated hospital and is reportedly in stable condition.
Though no confirmed cases of mpox have been recorded so far in India, a nation of 1.4 billion people, the country’s health authorities are taking precautions.
Indian health officials says the patient's samples are undergoing testing to confirm the presence of the virus, without disclosing further details his travel history or potential exposure.
“There is no need for undue concern,” the health ministry stated, adding, “India is fully equipped to manage isolated, travel-related cases, and has comprehensive strategies in place to mitigate any potential risks.”
On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised its highest international alert level following the resurgence of mpox and the discovery of a new strain, Clade 1b, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The virus has since been reported in parts of Asia and Europe.