Monkeypox Virus in India: Symptoms, Cases, Treatment & FAQs

Lately, the word “monkeypox” has been doing rounds across WhatsApp groups, news channels, and social media reels. Everyone seems to have an opinion—some think it's the next big health threat, others say it's already under control. But what's actually true? If you're in India and wondering whether you should be concerned or not, you're not alone. Between confusing headlines and half-baked info online, it's hard to get a clear picture.

So, here's what we're doing: this article gives you a real, no-fluff overview of the monkeypox virus in India — from case numbers to symptoms, treatment options, and what's really going on with the virus in 2025. If you're looking for facts (not fear), this one’s for you.

Introduction

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease — kinda like smallpox but not nearly as severe. It belongs to the orthopoxvirus family, and was first found in monkeys (no surprise there) back in 1958. The first human case? That didn’t show up until 1970. Mostly, it used to stick to Central and West Africa. But then it started turning up in Europe, the US, and now... well, here we are.

Now here's the thing: monkeypox doesn’t spread as fast as COVID or the flu. You need to have close contact — like skin-to-skin or being around bodily fluids — for it to pass on. Still, with how connected our lives are now, even “slow” viruses can sneak into cities and communities if we’re not careful.

Why India Needs to Be Aware of Monkeypox

India's got a few things going for — and against — it in the fight against viruses like this. High population density. Packed trains and buses. Frequent travel. Not to mention healthcare services that can get overwhelmed fast when things go south. Even though monkeypox isn’t exploding like some previous outbreaks, we can’t ignore it either.

Also, misinformation spreads like wildfire. People hear “pox” and panic, or worse, they ignore early signs because “it’s just a rash.” That’s why knowing what to look out for, and when to act, is super important.

Global Context and Relevance to India

The world’s been watching monkeypox closely since 2022, when outbreaks suddenly flared up in countries that hadn’t seen it before. India’s first confirmed case was in Kerala. Then a few more showed up in Delhi and other states.

It didn’t become a nationwide crisis (thankfully), but the fact that it showed up at all is a wake-up call. It tells us this virus doesn’t care about borders — and we shouldn’t wait for things to escalate before getting informed.

Monkeypox Virus Cases in India

India's first confirmed case of the monkeypox virus was reported in July 2022, in Kerala. A man who had recently traveled from the UAE tested positive, setting off alerts at airports and hospitals. Within weeks, more cases followed — mostly among travelers, though a few local transmissions were reported in Delhi and Bengaluru.

The total number of confirmed monkeypox virus cases in India remained relatively low, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t serious. Health authorities took it seriously, setting up isolation wards and launching awareness drives. States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh all issued advisories. You might’ve seen those posters in hospitals or airport corridors. Yeah, that was monkeypox info, not COVID left overs.

State-wise Case Breakdown

As of early 2025, the majority of confirmed monkeypox virus India cases have been reported in:

• Kerala – where it all began

• Delhi NCR

• Karnataka

• Maharashtra

Some smaller clusters were identified in Telangana and Gujarat, too. But thanks to quick testing and isolation, community spread didn’t take off. That said, experts believe there may have been unreported cases, especially in rural areas where symptoms could be confused with chickenpox or skin allergies.

Also, it’s not just the case numbers that matter — it’s how fast we identify and isolate them. The earlier someone is diagnosed, the less chance the virus has to move on to others.

Response from Indian Health Authorities

The Indian government didn't take any chances this time. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) quickly updated its guidelines for dealing with monkeypox. States were instructed to screen travelers from countries with active cases. Lab testing was ramped up at ICMR labs, and doctors were briefed on symptoms and protocols.

You might think, “All this for a few cases?” But that's kinda the point. When it comes to viruses, prevention always beats cure. Remember how slow things moved in early 2020 with COVID? Officials clearly didn’t want to repeat that mess again.

Hospitals in major cities were told to create special isolation units. Airport authorities also began screening high-risk flyers, especially those arriving from the Middle East or Africa.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Monkeypox doesn’t hit out of nowhere. It gives warning signs — if you know what to watch for. And unlike COVID, the symptoms are visible, which makes a huge difference in containing it.

Common Symptoms of Monkeypox

The first few days usually feel flu-like. Think:

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Fatigue

• Swollen lymph nodes (this one's a bit unique to monkeypox)

After that, the trademark rash shows up. Small red spots, usually starting on the face, then spreading to the arms, legs, and even genitals. These spots turn into fluid-filled blisters that eventually scab over.

To be honest, it looks pretty scary. But most people recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks. Still, it's not something you wanna ignore. Early treatment and isolation help avoid complications.

Treatment Options

Monkeypox isn’t new, but most doctors in India haven’t seen a case up close until now. That said, we’re not completely unprepared. The good news? Most monkeypox virus cases in India so far have been mild. The bad news? There’s no specific cure — at least not yet.

Current Medical Treatment Protocols

Treatment is mainly supportive, meaning doctors help manage the symptoms rather than attack the virus directly. That includes:

• Managing fever and pain

• Keeping the skin rash clean to avoid secondary infections

• Hydration and rest

• Antibiotics only if there’s a bacterial infection on top

Antiviral drugs like tecovirimat (approved in the US and EU) have been considered for severe cases, but aren’t widely available in India yet. A few trials are underway — but as of now, they're not common use in public hospitals. Also, tecovirimat is a tough name to spell. Honestly, we had to check it three times.

Home Isolation vs Hospitalization

If someone tests positive and has mild symptoms, doctors usually recommend home isolation for around 21 days. They’ll need to stay in a separate room, wear a mask, avoid close contact, and follow a hygiene routine that—let’s face it—is tougher than it sounds.

Hospitalization is advised if:

• Lesions are severe or infected

• Breathing difficulties occur

• The patient is immunocompromised

As always, prevention is better. The less contact, the better your odds.

Mortality and Prevention

Monkeypox has a low death rate — especially with the current strain that’s circulating in India and elsewhere. According to WHO, the fatality rate ranges from 1% to 3%, mostly among children or people with weakened immune systems.

Risk Factors and Vulnerable Groups

Those more likely to face complications include:

• Young children

• Pregnant women

• Immunocompromised individuals (like HIV-positive patients)

If you're in good health, chances are you'll recover just fine. But still, it's no reason to be careless.

Prevention Strategies

• Avoid close contact with infected people

• Don’t share clothes, towels, or bedsheets

• Wash your hands often

• Use a mask if you’re caring for someone sick

There’s also a vaccine — based on the smallpox shot — but it’s currently reserved for frontline health workers and confirmed contacts. As of now, there’s no national immunization drive for monkeypox in India.

Final Thoughts

Monkeypox virus in India hasn’t become a widespread crisis — and hopefully, it won't. But knowing the facts helps you stay safe and protect others, especially as misinformation keeps floating around. It’s not about panic; it’s about preparedness.

If this article helped clear things up, go ahead and share it with friends or fam. Someone might need it more than you think.

FAQs About Monkeypox

Q1: Is monkeypox in India?
Yes, India has reported confirmed monkeypox cases since July 2022, with states like Kerala and Delhi recording most of them.

Q2: What is the death rate of monkeypox?
The death rate is low — around 1% to 3% — and most cases are mild, especially with early care.

Q3: Can monkeypox be treated?
There’s no specific cure, but symptoms can be managed. Most people recover in 2 to 4 weeks.

Q4: What are monkeypox symptoms?
Flu-like symptoms followed by a rash — fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and then blisters that scab over.