A clade 9 variant of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) has been detected in India for the first time, with the National Institute of Virology (NIV) having encountered it while conducting surveillance for mpox cases.
The virus is responsible for causing chickenpox and herpes zoster (shingles).
The officials said that out of 331 suspected cases of mpox, 28 cases were found positive for VZV, reports The Independent.
However, there were no significant indications of increased disease severity in the patients. In rare cases, VZV infections can lead to severe complications, including central nervous system involvement.
Clade 9 is the most common strain of the chickenpox-causing virus in countries likes Germany, UK and the US.
While other variants of VZV – clade 1 and clade 5 – have previously been found in India, it is the first time clade 9 has been detected.
VZV is generally transmitted through contact with infected droplets, aerosols, or direct contact with respiratory secretions.
“It is critical to distinguish chickenpox from measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, syphilis, medication-associated allergies, and Mpox viral disease,” said officials, advocating strongly for the monitoring and surveillance of VZV infections in the country.
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