First Case of Clade 1B Mpox Detected in India, 38-Year-Old Man from Kerala Returns from UAE

India has reported its first case of Clade 1B mpox in a 38-year-old man from Kerala, who recently returned from the United Arab Emirates. Clade 1B is recognized as the fastest-spreading variant of the mpox virus, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This development raises alarms as health authorities work to monitor and control potential outbreaks. Previously, India recorded its first mpox case in Delhi, involving a 26-year-old resident of Hisar, Haryana, who tested positive for the Clade 2 strain. The emergence of Clade 1B adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing public health situation, emphasizing the need for increased surveillance, contact tracing, and vaccination efforts. As the situation evolves, public health officials urge citizens to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and report any unusual symptoms. With international travel potentially facilitating the spread of this virus, proactive measures will be essential in containing its transmission and protecting public health in India and beyond.