Press "Enter" to skip to content

Potential First Clade 1b Mpox Case in Thailand: Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn Provides Insights

Order Cannabis Online Order Cannabis Online

Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn shared insights into what could potentially be Thailand’s first case of the Clade 1b strain of mpox at the Department of Disease Control in Nonthaburi province this Wednesday afternoon.

The Department of Disease Control made an announcement that Thailand might have encountered its first case of a novel and more contagious strain of mpox. The patient, who had recently arrived from Africa, prompted health officials to closely monitor the health of 43 passengers who were seated nearby on the plane.

DDC Director-General Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn revealed that the patient is a 66-year-old European man with a residence in Thailand. He works in Africa, where mpox is known to be endemic. The patient landed in Thailand on August 14 at 6 PM after a connecting flight from the Middle East.

Just the next morning, the unfortunate Thursday, he experienced a fever and observed numerous small rashes on his skin. Wasting no time, he headed to a hospital for an examination. The diagnosis was mpox, a viral disease, thus setting off alarms among the health officials.

Initially, the medical examination suggested that it wasn’t the previously identified Clade 1 strain of mpox, which isn’t easily transmissible. Health authorities are now awaiting the results of comprehensive genetic tests to determine if it’s indeed a Clade 1b infection, a more transmissible variant.

“So, it is still not 100% confirmed if it is the Clade 1b case or not… Officials await genetic comparison test results to confirm it on Friday… There is the possibility, though,” Dr. Thongchai mentioned during the update.

Even though the confirmation was pending, Dr. Thongchai expressed that spreading the news was imperative for public precaution and helpful for the broader spectrum of disease control efforts. The patient, fortunately, exhibited no severe symptoms, and doctors believed his chances of spreading the disease were minimal. He sought hospital care soon after arrival and remained there.

The Department of Disease Control tracked 43 passengers who had been seated within two rows of him on the flight on August 14. These individuals, both Thais and foreigners, were advised to consult a doctor immediately if they exhibited any symptoms within 21 days. However, they were not placed under quarantine, and the public was reassured that there was no need for excessive panic.

Dr. Thongchai clarified, “Clade 1b is not as easily transmissible as Covid-19. It spreads through contact with droplets from an infected person, but only after they show symptoms.” He also emphasized that in most cases, patients could recover from the virus on their own, unless complications arose or their immune systems were weakened.

44 Comments

  1. Gina L August 21, 2024

    It’s really concerning that we are seeing more contagious strains of viruses like this Clade 1b mpox. Are we ever going to get a break?

    • healthyJane August 21, 2024

      I think we need to be prepared that new strains will keep appearing. It’s part of the nature of viruses adapting and evolving.

      • Dr. Sam August 21, 2024

        Absolutely, Jane. Evolution of viruses is inevitable, but our preparedness and response mechanisms must evolve too.

      • Terry M August 21, 2024

        Prepare all you want, but the government never seems ready for these things.

    • Believer101 August 21, 2024

      This is just another fear-mongering tactic. They’re trying to make us live in constant fear!

      • Gina L August 21, 2024

        It’s not about fear, it’s about being informed and cautious. There’s a difference.

  2. Mike R August 21, 2024

    Of course, it’s another ‘European’ causing issues. When are we going to place stricter travel restrictions?

    • Sophie B August 21, 2024

      That’s xenophobic, Mike. The virus doesn’t care about nationalities, and travel restrictions can only do so much.

      • Heidi S August 21, 2024

        Exactly. It’s about monitoring and making sure health measures are followed.

    • Realist August 21, 2024

      Travel restrictions could indeed help control the spread, but they need to be balanced with economic and social impacts.

  3. Joe August 21, 2024

    Why wasn’t this passenger put under strict quarantine immediately upon his arrival? Seems like a major oversight.

    • Dr. Sam August 21, 2024

      Joe, they did act fast. The patient went to the hospital the morning after arriving. Sometimes symptoms don’t show up until later.

    • chickenlittle August 21, 2024

      They should put everyone arriving from endemic regions in immediate quarantine for 21 days. Period.

    • Joe August 21, 2024

      I get that, Dr. Sam, but better safe than sorry. Immediate action could prevent these situations from escalating.

  4. ecoWarrior August 21, 2024

    Instead of just focusing on quarantine, we should address the root causes of these pandemics – deforestation and wildlife trade.

    • Tina W August 21, 2024

      Totally agree! Our disruptive activities are causing more interactions with wildlife and new diseases.

    • skepticPanda August 21, 2024

      Always this environmental angle. Some of these viruses have been around for centuries, unaffected by our practices.

  5. CuriousKid August 21, 2024

    What are the symptoms of mpox? Is it like chickenpox?

    • healthnut August 21, 2024

      Mpox symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. It’s different from chickenpox but also causes skin lesions.

    • Dr. Sam August 21, 2024

      To add to healthnut’s point, mpox can be more severe and sometimes lead to complications unlike typical chickenpox.

  6. Frank D August 21, 2024

    Anyone notice how these new diseases keep popping up right as we start to get some breathing room? Makes you think…

  7. analyzeTH August 21, 2024

    Dr. Thongchai’s swift action to make this public is commendable. Public awareness is essential in controlling outbreaks.

    • Lisa August 21, 2024

      Agreed. Better to be informed and ready than to be caught off guard. Transparency can save lives.

    • SkepticSteve August 21, 2024

      Public awareness or public panic? It’s a thin line and hard to manage.

  8. Jessie J August 21, 2024

    How on earth are 43 people supposed to monitor their symptoms for 21 days? They’ll forget or ignore it by day 3.

    • Rob August 21, 2024

      True, but the alternative is not monitoring at all, which is even riskier. Some level of responsibility has to be maintained.

    • Jessie J August 21, 2024

      Fair point, Rob, but there needs to be a more structured follow-up system rather than leaving it up to people.

    • Mrs. Kim August 21, 2024

      Maybe a daily check-in system or automated reminders can help ensure they don’t forget.

  9. Chris August 21, 2024

    It’s good to know Clade 1b isn’t as transmissible as Covid-19. That’s somewhat reassuring.

    • Liz R August 21, 2024

      Yes, but we can’t become complacent. We still need to follow health guidelines strictly.

    • SkepticSteve August 21, 2024

      It’s not just about transmissibility but how it’s managed. Remember, Covid started with limited cases too.

  10. travelbug August 21, 2024

    This news makes me reconsider my travel plans. Is it safe to travel now?

    • FrequentFlyer August 21, 2024

      As long as you follow health guidelines and stay informed about your destination, travel should be manageable.

    • safeSarah August 21, 2024

      Better to postpone non-essential travel until there’s more clarity on this new strain.

  11. Liam August 21, 2024

    How reliable are these genetic tests for identifying virus strains?

    • scienceNerd August 21, 2024

      Very reliable. Genetic testing helps us understand the exact nature of the virus and how to best combat it.

    • Liam August 21, 2024

      That’s good to know. I just hope they get the results soon.

  12. mamaBear August 21, 2024

    What should parents do to protect their kids from this?

    • Kate August 21, 2024

      Ensure kids practice good hygiene, and stay informed about any public health updates. Also, consult your pediatrician for advice.

  13. ecoWarrior August 21, 2024

    We need to study wildlife more closely to understand these viruses before they jump to humans.

    • Dr. Sam August 21, 2024

      True. Comprehensive research on zoonoses is crucial in preventing future pandemics.

  14. Tommy August 21, 2024

    Does anyone know why some strains are more contagious than others?

    • bioGeek August 21, 2024

      Genetic mutations can make a virus more efficient at transmission. It’s a complex interplay of viral proteins and host interaction.

  15. OptimisticOllie August 21, 2024

    Even if it’s Clade 1b, the fact that the patient is doing well is promising. We can’t lose hope.

  16. Order Cannabis Online Order Cannabis Online

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More from ThailandMore posts in Thailand »