India confirms first case of deadlier mpox strain

. India has confirmed its first case of a deadlier strain of mpox, which has raised alarm among health officials around the world over the rapid pace of its spread.. ..

The clade Ib strain of the virus was confirmed by health authorities in the southern state of Kerala after being detected last week in a 38-year-old man who had recently traveled to Dubai.. ..

The outbreak of the strain, which had previously been contained to the Democratic Republic of Congo, was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) last monthafter it spread to four previously unaffected African countries.. ..

The strain has since been detected in several countries outside Africa, including Sweden and Thailand.. . Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can spread easily between people and from infected animals..

Health authorities in Kerala are well-versed in grappling with infectious diseases.. . Surveillance has been strengthened, including at airports, said George,the health minister, adding there are five mpox testing facilities with more to be set up if required..

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