New variant of Mpox Clade 1B wreaked havoc in India, Know everything about the virus here

Mpox Clade 1B in India: The first case of monkeypox, more commonly known as the clade 1b strain, has been documented in Kerala, India. It was reported by the authorities from the central government that the aforementioned patient, a male aged 38 from Malappuram district, had recently returned after working in UAE. His condition is stable but he has still to be discharged from observation.

The health department of Kerala claims that more than 70 contact persons have been located and questioned as a result of the illness, without any of these contact persons having physical signs of the disease so far. Such a case of Clade 1b has not been ever reported, as business today cited a source, suggesting that perhaps more virulent form has been linked to this novel infestation.

Thirty cases of mpox have been reported in India after the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the disease as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in 2022. The Clade 2 strain was the main cause of these instances. August 14, 2024, saw the WHO proclaim mumps to be a PHEIC once again.

There are two clades of the monkeypox virus: Clade 1 and Clade 2. Patients of Clade 1, formerly referred to as the Congo Basin clade, have become more severe, and confirmation of their cases has been made in non-African nations including Sweden and Thailand. However, Clade 2, often known as the West African clade, is mild and has a low R0. As of 2022 and 2023, it is responsible for the majority of cases of monkeypox worldwide.

According to the WHO, Clade 1b Mpox Common Symptoms

Rash: Typically, the rash begins on the face and spreads to the palms and soles of the body. It starts off as flat patches that progressively change into red spots and swelling that develop into excruciating blisters packed with water. The skin will revert to its usual color when the rash heals, which might take longer in immunocompromised people. The healing process could take two to four weeks.

Fever is a frequent symptom among patients and is one of the first that may appear before the rash or as the first obvious sign.

Swollen Nodes: Lymphadenopathy in particular is the symptom that may help distinguish MPOC from other illnesses that are similar to it.

Headache, back discomfort, aches in the muscles, poor energy, and sore throat are some other symptoms.

According to HT Lifestyle, Dr. Badal Taori, a consultant in general medicine at Medicover Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, “The monkeypox virus (MPXV) is the source of a serious form of viral infection known as polio.” Numerous symptoms, including fever, chills, and enlarged lymph nodes, are often present along with excruciating rashes that resemble blisters or pimples.

Mpox Transmission

Mainly, skin-to-skin, mouth-to-skin, and face-to-face contact with an infected individual transmits the mpox. A higher risk is linked to individuals who engage in several sexual relationships. In addition, HPV may spread via needle stick injuries, contaminated clothes, and pregnancy-related exposure that puts the baby at danger. Humans may get the disease from animals by eating contaminated animals or animal parts, coming into contact with bodily fluids from infected animals, or biting an affected animal. It is unknown where the virus originated in animals.

“One will notice the symptoms of Mpox within 6–15 days after exposure,” said Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Gleneagles Hospitals in Parel, Mumbai, in an interview with HT Lifestyle. The major way that this illness spreads from person to person is by contact with a Mpox patient.

WHO Guidelines for Self-Care and Prevention:

Do’s

• Consult with your physician or another healthcare professional, depending on how severe the adverse effects are.
• Quit yourself in a room with good ventilation.
• Hands should be cleaned often.
• When among other individuals, cover up lesions and wear a mask.
• Steer clear of other people’s skin.
• Clean communal areas.
• The body sores should be bathed in warm water, and the mouth sores should be cleaned with salt water.
• Utilize medications such as paracetamol to manage and relieve discomfort.

Don’ts

• Press blisters or itch open wounds.
• Shave the affected area of skin until the lesions heal.