India, Jan. 23 -- Genomic analysis conducted by Indian virology laboratories has identified Clade Ib mpox in samples collected from Kerala over the last two years. As per information available with National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, most of the cases were linked to recent international travel, while at least one case indicates probable local transmission.

Ten mpox samples collected in Kerala between September 2024 and March 2025 were genetically sequenced by laboratories associated with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and NIV, Pune. All 10 samples were found to belong to Clade Ib, a lineage that has been circulating internationally since 2024, experts confirmed.

Laboratory data show that nine of the 10 patients ...