A 38-year-old individual from Kerala has been diagnosed with mpox, marking the first confirmed case of Clade 1B in India, government sources said on Monday. This development has raised concerns, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to issue alerts regarding the deadly infection. Earlier this month, another case was reported in Delhi, but it was identified as a Clade II infection, which is not part of the public health emergency declared by WHO over the infection. Since mpox was first detected in India in 2022, the country has recorded at least 32 cases and one related death. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation to manage and contain the spread of the virus.WHO Declares Mpox As Health EmergencyThis heightened concern follows the WHO's declaration of Mpox as a 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern' last month. Despite this designation, experts suggest that while India might see a few imported cases, the likelihood of a widespread outbreak remains low.Meanwhile, the health ministry has assured the public that preventive measures are in place. Authorities have stressed that the situation is under control, with contact tracing and containment efforts proceeding according to established protocols.In line with the state government's directives, health officials in Pune and Bangalore have initiated surveillance and testing of individuals suspected of having Mpox. The Pune International Airport has also implemented enhanced monitoring of international travelers to detect any signs of the disease. These measures are in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Government of India."Kampegowda International Airport In Bengaluru is fully prepared and compliant with all health and safety protocols issued by relevant authorities in light of the global Mpox situation," a spokesperson for the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) told the media.What Do We Know About Mpox? Mpox often begins with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and muscle aches. These are followed by a distinctive rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. The rash evolves into pus-filled lesions, which can be mistaken for smallpox or chickenpox. Key symptoms to watch for include swollen lymph nodes, a hallmark of Mpox, and a rash that appears in successive stages.