RI neighbors confirm first case of deadly form of Mpox monkeypox

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Thailand has confirmed the first case in Asia of a new, more deadly type of mpox or monkey pox disease on Thursday (22/8/2024). This case was found in a patient who traveled from Africa to Thailand.

The patient arrived in Bangkok on August 14 and was immediately taken to the hospital after showing mpox symptoms. Thailand’s Department of Disease Control said laboratory tests on this 66-year-old European man confirmed that he was infected with mpox Clade 1b.

“The Thai Department of Disease Control confirmed the results of laboratory tests indicating the presence of Clade 1b mpox disease in patients from Europe,” said the department’s official statement, which was reported. AFPadding that the World Health Organization (WHO) would be notified of this development.

43 people who had close contact with the patient have been monitored, and so far they have not shown any symptoms. However, the investigation will continue for the next 21 days.

The department also said that anyone traveling to Thailand from 42 “risk countries” must register and undergo tests upon arrival in Thailand.

Cases and deaths from mpox continue to rise in Africa, with outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda since July. WHO has declared a global public health emergency regarding this new version of mpox, and has urged manufacturers to increase vaccine production.

This disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted by infected animals and can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact. Mpox causes fever, muscle pain, and large, boil-like skin lesions.

Although mpox has been known for decades, a new, deadlier and more susceptible strain called Clade 1b has fueled a recent spike in cases. According to WHO, Clade 1b causes death in about 3.6 percent of cases, with children being more vulnerable.

Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, head of Thailand’s Disease Control Department, said mpox is much more likely to spread quickly than Covid-19 because it requires close contact to be transmitted.

(luck/luck)

WHO declares Mpox outbreak or Monkey Pox Global Health Emergency