Thailand's health authorities are on high alert following the detection of mpox, also known as monkeypox, among travelers arriving from African nations. The most notable case involves a European man who recently returned from Africa, prompting officials to treat it as the Clade 1 strain due to his travel history.
The specific country from which the traveler arrived remains undisclosed. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, the director-general of the Department of Disease Control, confirmed the presence of mpox during a recent update.
With the new strain gaining attention, officials have ramped up surveillance measures. This includes enhanced screening protocols at airports and other points of entry, especially for individuals coming from regions where the disease is prevalent.
Health experts have voiced concerns about the potential for the Clade 1b subvariant, which is considered to spread more rapidly than earlier strains. It primarily transmits through respiratory droplets, making it more virulent compared to Clade 2, which is mainly spread through close contact.
Dr. Yong Poovorawan, a prominent clinical virologist, noted the alarming rates of infection affecting both children and adults, stressing the need to remain vigilant. Reports indicate higher fatality rates among children due to this new subvariant.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the spread of mpox across Africa as a public health emergency. Since 2022, there have been 14,520 reported cases of Clade 1b globally, with 456 deaths attributed to the virus.
Based on this backdrop, Thailand's Department of Disease Control is preparing for potential outbreaks. Ensuring the availability of adequate medical supplies and laboratory resources is currently of utmost priority.
A recent suspected case of mpox was confirmed on August 21, 2024, marking the first report of the Clade 1 variant within Thailand. Following this development, the infected individual has been quarantined, pending results from laboratory tests.
"We have done tests and can confirm the presence of mpox, and it’s definitely not Clade 2," said Keeratihattayakorn. The specific strain is still to be confirmed, with lab results expected within the next couple of days.
News of increased cases and fatalities across various African countries, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has led to heightened global concern about mpox. The current outbreak has seen over 16,000 cases and approximately 500 deaths reported this year alone.
Historically, mpox has been described as originating from infected animals, with the transmission to humans occurring primarily through close physical interactions. Symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches, and distinct boil-like skin lesions.
The recent surge has been linked to the more deadly Clade 1b variant, known to cause roughly 3.6 percent of infections resulting in death, especially affecting the pediatric population. While mpox has been known since 1958, its recent evolution has drawn unprecedented attention.
Travelers have been urged to exercise caution when flying to Thailand or any area reporting cases of mpox. Vaccination options such as the Imvanex vaccine are also being promoted to mitigate potential outbreaks.
Thai health officials are not only focused on immediate containment efforts but are also strategizing long-term responses to manage public health risks associated with the virus. Their balanced approach aims to protect both public health and maintain confidence among the traveling public.
The rising tide of mpox cases globally reiterates the need for continued vigilance and proactive health measures. Looking forward, both Thailand and the global community remain on the lookout for any developments to prevent potential crises stemming from this viral outbreak.
