At the heart of the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, health officials are battling the sudden emergence of two monkeypox (mpox) cases. Adding to the existing tension, relentlessly growing dengue fever cases, estimated at over 5,000, continue to be a cause for concern. Songyot Khamchai, the leader at the helm of the communicable disease control unit of the Chiang Mai public health office, confirmed this alarming news.
As per reports, the two mpox incidents involved homosexual patients, fueling the public health crisis further. One of the patients, a secretive 31-year-old man, shared that his one-night relationship in Taiwan led to his mpox infection. However, Mr. Khamchai’s statement came as a relief to many, assuring that the man had surpassed his incubation period, thus negating any chances of transmitting the virus.
Unfortunately, the second case was not as comforting. It involved a 40-year old individual who began experiencing symptoms while in Chiang Mai, despite being infected in an entirely different province. Mr. Khamchai mentions that this patient was immediately taken to his home province for necessary quarantine measures.
The mpox truth is harsher than is generally perceived with an alarming 217 cases recorded in Thailand up to the present day, primarily targeting the male populace. As last updated on August 15, 187 of these patients have been identified as Thai nationals. The Department of Disease Control reported a single death due to mpox so far, the victim had been an untreated HIV-positive patient with symptoms of syphilis, who succumbed to mpox within a short span of a month.
In the striving city of Chiang Mai, health officials are urging those in recent contact with high-risk groups, or those experiencing symptoms like swollen lymph nodes or rashes, to take immediate medical action. Health facilities all around the city are working relentlessly to offer the necessary medical support.
Adding further to the dilemma, the city is witnessing an uncontrollable surge in dengue cases. The numbers have been daunting — a leap from a mere 1,000 in 2022 to an unsettling number close to 5,000 this year. According to Mr. Khamchai, if this surge isn’t controlled by the end of the month, it may result in Muang, an area within the city, being labeled a dengue outbreak zone. This may trigger the enforcement of the Communicable Diseases Act. The districts that have been heavily hit by Dengue so far are Muang, Mae Ai, Fang, Chai Prakan, and Mae Rim.
The resilience of Chiang Mai’s health officials and their persistent initiatives to fight this public health challenge continues to inspire as they navigate these turbulent times. The city, known for its rich history, charming beauty, and unwavering spirit, is battling the invisible enemies and hoping for healthier times ahead.
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