India has reported a suspected case of mpox in a male patient who recently traveled from a country experiencing an outbreak of the virus, according to a statement from the health ministry on Sunday. The patient, who is in stable condition, has been isolated in a hospital while awaiting test results to confirm the presence of the virus.

Although specific details regarding the origin of the patient’s infection have not been disclosed, the health ministry emphasized that there is no cause for undue concern. The country is well-prepared to handle such cases, with robust measures in place to mitigate risks, including established protocols for isolation and contact tracing.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is usually a mild disease but can be fatal in rare instances. The virus spreads through close contact and presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions.

Last month, India raised its alert level following the resurgence of a new mpox strain, Clade 1b, in Africa. This new variant has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international concern. The latest case in India has raised concerns, but there have been no confirmed cases of the new strain in the country so far. Between 2022 and March 2024, India detected 30 cases of an older strain, known as Clade 2.

As India continues to monitor the situation closely, the health ministry reiterated that the case is being managed with established protocols to prevent further spread and ensure public safety.