Study Reveals Hidden Mpox Outbreak Linked to UAE

A detailed genetic study by Indian researchers has found evidence of a hidden outbreak of mpox Clade Ib in the Gulf region, especially linked to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The study showed that cases of mpox Clade Ib were being imported into Kerala from the UAE as early as September 2024. However, the UAE officially reported its first case only in February 2025. This suggests that the virus may have been spreading silently before it was detected.

The research, published in the journal Virology, combined clinical details with full genome sequencing to understand how the virus entered India and how it spread over time.

Scientists analysed ten laboratory-confirmed cases reported in Kerala between September 2024 and March 2025. Out of these, nine patients had recently travelled abroad, mostly to the UAE. One case involved local transmission, where the virus spread through close household contact with a traveller who had returned from abroad.

The findings indicate that international travel played a key role in bringing the virus into the state. Researchers said genetic testing helped track the origin and evolution of the strain, allowing them to link the cases to the Gulf region.

Experts believe the study highlights the need for stronger disease surveillance, early testing, and monitoring of travellers to prevent hidden outbreaks in the future.