Kerala Mpox Outbreak Linked to UAE Travel, Global Cases Reach 22,000
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A genetic analysis of Kerala's 2024 mpox outbreak has revealed a disturbing trend: seven out of ten cases are linked to international travel from the United Arab Emirates. Mpox, a viral illness previously known as monkeypox, causes symptoms like skin rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, which can last up to four weeks. According to researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology, the outbreak in Kerala is part of a larger global phenomenon. Since its emergence in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023, the mpox virus has spread to multiple countries in Africa and beyond. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024 due to the rapid spread and severity of the Clade Ib strain. As of early 2025, over 22,000 cases have been reported globally, with more than 60 deaths attributed to this strain. The research highlights the importance of monitoring international travel and contact tracing in preventing the spread of the virus. The Clade Ib strain is more severe than its predecessor, Clade IIb, which caused a global outbreak in 2022. Researchers emphasize the need for continued vigilance and public awareness to prevent the spread of mpox. The findings of this study have significant implications for global health and highlight the importance of international collaboration in responding to emerging infectious diseases.
