Bangkok, August 21, 2024 – Thailand has reported a suspected case of a new, more dangerous strain of mpox, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified as a global public health emergency. The patient, a European national, arrived in Thailand on August 14 from an African country where the strain is spreading.
Key Details:
- Patient Status: The individual has been quarantined in a hospital, and laboratory tests are underway to confirm the strain. Initial tests indicate it is not Clade 2, but officials suspect it is Clade 1.
- Symptoms and Transmission: Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is transmitted through close physical contact and causes fever, muscular aches, and large boil-like skin lesions.
- Global Impact: The Clade 1b variant, responsible for recent surges in Africa, has a mortality rate of about 3.6%, with children being particularly at risk. The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported over 16,000 cases and 500 deaths this year.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged the public to remain vigilant. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
