Kerala confirmed a second case of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in a 26-year-old man who recently returned from the UAE. The patient, currently undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Ernakulam, tested positive for the virus at the National Institute of Virology in Alappuzha. The patient's samples have been sent to Pune for genomic sequencing to identify the specific strain. This marks the third Mpox case in India this year, with previous cases reported in Malappuram and Haryana.Mpox in KerelaThis latest case follows an earlier Mpox diagnosis in a 38-year-old man from Malappuram in September, who was infected with the Clade 1b strain of the virus. Clade 1b is known to be more severe and fast-spreading than the older Clade IIb strain. Following this, Kerala health authorities strengthened surveillance and established isolation facilities across districts. Updated prevention and treatment guidelines are also expected.What is Mpox?Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, rashes, and muscle aches. While there are two distinct clades of the virus—Clade I (including subclades Ia and Ib) and Clade II (comprising subclades IIa and IIb)—Clade 1b has recently been observed to cause more severe outbreaks.Does Mpox Spread by Touch and Air?Mpox is primarily spread through close contact. The virus can be transmitted by touching an infected person's skin, bodily fluids, or contaminated items like clothing or linen. Mpox can also spread via respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interactions. However, unlike airborne viruses like COVID-19, Mpox does not typically spread over long distances through the air. Preventive measures, such as avoiding direct contact with infected individuals and practicing good hygiene, are crucial to curbing its spread.With Mpox cases rising, the Kerala health department remains vigilant. The genomic sequencing results from Pune will help determine if the latest infection involves the fast-spreading Clade 1b strain. Enhanced surveillance and updated guidelines should help manage the outbreak, but the public should remain informed and cautious.