Experts have raised the alarm over a new mpox strain, underscoring the critical need for vigilance amid concerns that the outbreak could escalate into a global pandemic. Dr. Yong Poovorawan, a seasoned clinical virologist at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, took to Facebook on Monday to highlight the potential threat posed by the Clade 1b subvariant. This particular strain, he pointed out, can spread via respiratory droplets, adding an extra layer of concern.
Dr. Yong noted that Clade 1b, currently spreading throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo, exhibits a more aggressive behavior compared to the previously identified Clade 2 strain in Thailand. Alarmingly, this variant has been detected in both children and adults, affecting men and women alike in central Africa, with young children bearing the brunt of the fatalities.
The virologist explained that Clade 1 can be transmitted through close physical contact and respiratory droplets. This characteristic makes it more contagious than Clade 2, which primarily spreads through physical contact alone. Both Clade 1 and Clade 2, along with their respective subclades, have the potential to infect individuals regardless of age or gender. However, Dr. Yong highlighted that an overwhelming 98% of Clade 2b cases have been reported among men, particularly those who are homosexual.
In tandem with these revelations, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) released a statement on Monday, marking the 100th confirmed Clade 2b case in Thailand. The DDC has since mandated stringent surveillance measures for hospitals and related sectors operating in regions susceptible to pox outbreaks. These measures are critical in preempting any potential spread.
Additionally, the DDC has instructed international airports and ports, including Don Muang Airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, and Laem Chabang Port, to meticulously screen passengers arriving from Africa. This step aims to identify and isolate any infected individuals at the earliest opportunity. In its commitment to preparedness, the Department of Medical Sciences has also pledged to ensure that laboratory facilities and medical supplies are adequately stocked to handle any surge in cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC), following multiple mpox cases reported across various African nations such as the DR Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. This declaration underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for coordinated international response efforts.
According to the DDC, a staggering 14,520 individuals worldwide have been diagnosed with the Class 1b subvariant of mpox between 2022 and 2024, resulting in 456 deaths. The numbers are a stark reminder of the potential severity of the outbreak and the fierce urgency to curb its spread before it spirals into an uncontrollable pandemic.
This is terrifying. Why isn’t there more media coverage about this potential pandemic?
Probably because people are tired of hearing about pandemics after COVID. But this is serious.
I agree. People need to know so they can take precautions.
Vigilance is definitely needed, but I worry about the potential hysteria this might cause.
Hysteria? Are you serious? People need to be warned and take this seriously. We can’t afford another pandemic!
I agree we need to take it seriously, but balance is key. We need informed caution, not outright panic.
Great, another thing to worry about. Why does it always seem like there’s some new disease threatening us?
It feels overwhelming, but scientific advancements also mean we hear about these things quicker and can act faster.
The focus on predominantly affecting homosexual men is worrisome. Stigma and discrimination are already huge issues.
Screening passengers is fine, but what about people who are already here and could be infecting others unknowingly?
That’s a good point. Community transmission is a big risk, especially with respiratory droplets involved.
Exactly. This could spread like wildfire if we’re not careful.
Is vaccination a possibility? Or are we still far from that solution?
Vaccines are in development, but rolling them out takes time. We must rely on containment measures for now.
Will we ever learn? Human encroachment on wildlife habitats is a massive part of why these viruses keep appearing.
These numbers are shocking. 14,520 cases and over 450 deaths? This should be on every headline.
Totally! It’s insane that more people aren’t aware of this yet.
Respiratory droplets? That sounds like it could be worse than COVID. We need masks again!
Don’t even joke about that. People lost their minds over masks last time.
Preemptive measures are the best way forward. Hospitals and labs need to be ready for any surge in cases.
So, is this targeting children more than adults? That’s heartbreaking.
Absolutely. Kids are always the most vulnerable in these situations.
The international response seems slow. When the WHO declares an emergency, it should accelerate actions globally.
Agree. Coordinated international response is crucial. We can’t face this alone.
I just want one year without a global health crisis. Is that too much to ask?
Sadly, that’s the world we live in now. Better be prepared than sorry.
Seems like misinformation could spread faster than the disease itself. We need reliable sources and clear communication.
Absolutely. People need to trust the information they’re getting, or we’re in big trouble.