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.
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?
I think we need to be prepared that new strains will keep appearing. It’s part of the nature of viruses adapting and evolving.
Absolutely, Jane. Evolution of viruses is inevitable, but our preparedness and response mechanisms must evolve too.
Prepare all you want, but the government never seems ready for these things.
This is just another fear-mongering tactic. They’re trying to make us live in constant fear!
It’s not about fear, it’s about being informed and cautious. There’s a difference.
Of course, it’s another ‘European’ causing issues. When are we going to place stricter travel restrictions?
That’s xenophobic, Mike. The virus doesn’t care about nationalities, and travel restrictions can only do so much.
Exactly. It’s about monitoring and making sure health measures are followed.
Travel restrictions could indeed help control the spread, but they need to be balanced with economic and social impacts.
Why wasn’t this passenger put under strict quarantine immediately upon his arrival? Seems like a major oversight.
Joe, they did act fast. The patient went to the hospital the morning after arriving. Sometimes symptoms don’t show up until later.
They should put everyone arriving from endemic regions in immediate quarantine for 21 days. Period.
I get that, Dr. Sam, but better safe than sorry. Immediate action could prevent these situations from escalating.
Instead of just focusing on quarantine, we should address the root causes of these pandemics – deforestation and wildlife trade.
Totally agree! Our disruptive activities are causing more interactions with wildlife and new diseases.
Always this environmental angle. Some of these viruses have been around for centuries, unaffected by our practices.
What are the symptoms of mpox? Is it like chickenpox?
Mpox symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. It’s different from chickenpox but also causes skin lesions.
To add to healthnut’s point, mpox can be more severe and sometimes lead to complications unlike typical chickenpox.
Anyone notice how these new diseases keep popping up right as we start to get some breathing room? Makes you think…
Dr. Thongchai’s swift action to make this public is commendable. Public awareness is essential in controlling outbreaks.
Agreed. Better to be informed and ready than to be caught off guard. Transparency can save lives.
Public awareness or public panic? It’s a thin line and hard to manage.
How on earth are 43 people supposed to monitor their symptoms for 21 days? They’ll forget or ignore it by day 3.
True, but the alternative is not monitoring at all, which is even riskier. Some level of responsibility has to be maintained.
Fair point, Rob, but there needs to be a more structured follow-up system rather than leaving it up to people.
Maybe a daily check-in system or automated reminders can help ensure they don’t forget.
It’s good to know Clade 1b isn’t as transmissible as Covid-19. That’s somewhat reassuring.
Yes, but we can’t become complacent. We still need to follow health guidelines strictly.
It’s not just about transmissibility but how it’s managed. Remember, Covid started with limited cases too.
This news makes me reconsider my travel plans. Is it safe to travel now?
As long as you follow health guidelines and stay informed about your destination, travel should be manageable.
Better to postpone non-essential travel until there’s more clarity on this new strain.
How reliable are these genetic tests for identifying virus strains?
Very reliable. Genetic testing helps us understand the exact nature of the virus and how to best combat it.
That’s good to know. I just hope they get the results soon.
What should parents do to protect their kids from this?
Ensure kids practice good hygiene, and stay informed about any public health updates. Also, consult your pediatrician for advice.
We need to study wildlife more closely to understand these viruses before they jump to humans.
True. Comprehensive research on zoonoses is crucial in preventing future pandemics.
Does anyone know why some strains are more contagious than others?
Genetic mutations can make a virus more efficient at transmission. It’s a complex interplay of viral proteins and host interaction.
Even if it’s Clade 1b, the fact that the patient is doing well is promising. We can’t lose hope.