Pune/Kerala: A new and potentially more dangerous variant of the monkeypox virus has been detected in Kerala. A recent genetic study conducted in Pune has revealed that this variant is linked to international travel and is capable of human-to-human transmission. The study was carried out jointly by the ICMR–National Institute of Virology, Pune, along with viral research and diagnostic laboratories across India.
About the New Variant
The study focused on the Clade Ib variant of monkeypox, which had previously spread in parts of Africa and has now been identified in several countries. Researchers found that this variant can spread faster and on a larger scale than previous strains, necessitating closer monitoring. Between September 2024 and March 2025, the team analyzed 10 laboratory-confirmed Clade Ib monkeypox cases in Kerala. The study’s findings were published in the journal Virology, highlighting continuous viral mutations that are critical for disease surveillance and public health preparedness.
Mutation Patterns Observed
One researcher explained that the study confirmed ongoing changes in the monkeypox virus. They identified a specific mutation pattern that indicates sustained human-to-human transmission. Scientists noted that the Clade Ib variant’s mutations are stronger compared to older variants, suggesting that the virus is adapting as it spreads. Several mutations identified in the genetic sequences were similar to those previously observed in Clade Ib strains from the Democratic Republic of Congo, indicating parallel evolution across different regions.
International Travel Link
Of the 10 cases studied, six showed a new mutation. Researchers examined patients’ symptoms, viral loads, immune responses, and complete genetic sequences of the virus. The findings indicated that the virus did not originate from a single individual in India, but was part of a larger regional outbreak connected to international travel. Epidemiological analysis revealed that nine of the 10 patients had traveled abroad prior to testing positive. One case of local transmission was reported from a close contact of an international traveler’s family member.
Background in India
The first travel-related Clade Ib cases in India were detected in 2024, preceding the World Health Organization’s official global report of the strain in February 2025. The study suggests the possibility of undetected or underreported infections at international travel hubs. The research team included Dr. Pragya Yadav, Dr. Reema R. Sahay, and Dr. Anita M. Shete, among others.
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