In a startling turn of events, Thailand has become the first Asian country to identify a new mutated strain of the mpox virus. This striking development comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) raises the alarm on a growing outbreak in Africa, declaring it a new global health emergency.
The infection was detected in a European male who had recently arrived in Bangkok from Africa. According to the Department of Disease Control (DDC) of the Public Health Ministry, the 66-year-old patient tested positive for clade Ib. Authorities quickly sprang into action, identifying 43 of his close contacts and placing them under watchful surveillance. For the next 21 days, these individuals will be closely monitored for any signs of the virus, such as fever, rashes, or swollen lymph nodes. A ministry statement on Friday emphasized the imperative of seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
The patient, who exhibited telltale symptoms of mpox, was admitted to a hospital on August 15, just one day after his arrival in Bangkok. By Thursday, laboratory tests confirmed the presence of clade Ib, and Thailand promptly informed the WHO of this significant finding.
With the tourism industry being a backbone of its economy, Thailand is revving up its surveillance and screening protocols at all international entry points, including Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan province. Travelers from 42 countries experiencing mpox outbreaks will now have to register on the health ministry’s online application before leaving for Thailand. Upon arrival, they’ll undergo rigorous health screenings in line with global standards.
The new strain of mpox has already created havoc across several African countries, reportedly causing over 500 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone. Disturbingly, children and adolescents under the age of 5 account for more than 60% of the fatal cases.
This variant diverges from the earlier, milder strain that emerged in 2022, which primarily spread among men who have sex with men. The current strain manifests fluid-filled lesions and spreads through various forms of sexual activity and other close physical interactions, making it a far more formidable adversary.
Asian countries like China, India, and Pakistan are ramping up their defenses, given their high population densities. Travelers from affected areas are being urged to self-report any symptoms, while hospitals are on high alert for potential cases.
Thailand has declared any traveler displaying mpox symptoms will be subjected to quarantine. Additionally, visitors from outbreak areas will have their temperatures checked, assessed for rashes, and questioned about their travel history. To prepare for a potential surge in cases, the Ministry of Public Health announced plans for a 60-room quarantine facility to isolate patients.
Since 2022, Thailand has reported approximately 800 cases of the mpox clade II variant. With the busy tourist season on the horizon, containment becomes even more crucial. Millions of visitors are expected to flock to Thailand, a country where tourism constitutes about 20% of total employment and roughly 12% of its US$500 billion economy. Impressively, foreign arrivals surged by 33% to over 22.5 million from the same period last year, highlighting the sector’s significance.
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