Monkeypox A.2 strain found in India: What you need to know

Monkeypox, the new viral disease in news these days, has infected 9 people in India so far. More than 80 countries around the world have reported monkeypox cases till date.

 An analysis conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Virology (NIV) has found that the first two Monkeypox cases diagnosed in India were infected with the virus strain A.2.

This strain is different from the one contributing to an outbreak in Europe. The findings of the study are yet to be peer-viewed.

What is the A.2 strain?

Dr Pragya Yadav, the lead author of the study and a senior scientist at the National Institute of Virology, said that the A.2 strain was detected in the US last year.

The current outbreak worldwide is being driven by the B.1 strain. The A.2 strain did not lead to any major clusters last year.

ICMR-NIV Pune analysed 2 Monkeypox cases of travellers who returned from UAE – The analysis showed that two cases were infected with monkeypox virus strain A.2 which is related to the lineage of hMPXV-1A clade 3.

— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2022

Monkeypox in India: India reported the first case of monkeypox on July 14 in Kerala. Of the nine cases in India so far, 5 were from Kerala and 4 cases were confirmed in Delhi.

15 labs, including AIIMS’ virology lab, have been authorised in India to collect samples and conduct tests for the virus as a precautionary measure.

How to prevent spread of monkeypox: Monkeypox spreads from skin to skin contact. Direct contact with infected fluid of an infected person or animal can lead to the spread.

• Any kind of personal contact including sexual activity, hugging, kissing and face to face contact can lead to the spread of the virus.
• Sharing of beddings, clothes, blankets and other personal stuff of an infected person should be avoided.
• It is also important to note that mokeypox patients are contagious until the rashes are completely gone. Formation of new skin on the blister hint recovery.

See how #Monkeypox spreads.

Learn about it's symptoms and treatment. Visit https://t.co/4uKjkYncqT @PMOIndia @mansukhmandviya @DrBharatippawar @PIB_India @mygovindia @AmritMahotsav @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts pic.twitter.com/fKjeGZKN3u

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) August 7, 2022

Monkeypox around the world: The US declared monkeypox a public health emergency last week. It is a precautionary step to control the current outbreak. The US is responsible for 30% of the confirmed cases around the world with approximately 8,300 cases.

• More than 27,600 monkeypox cases have been reported across 87 countries.
• Earlier, in July, the World Health Organisation declared monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern.