Home » Health » Rise in Smallpox Cases Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Bangkok: Public Health Concerns and Prevention Measures

Rise in Smallpox Cases Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Bangkok: Public Health Concerns and Prevention Measures

General4 Jul. 23 13:452023-07-04

Mr. Sunthorn Sunthornchat, director of the Department of Health (NIDA), Bangkok, discussed the trend of the smallpox epidemic situation in the Bangkok area. After the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported that there was a 2.3-fold increase in cases of smallpox in Thailand from checking the number of smallpox cases in the epidemiological surveillance system (Epinet) and the surveillance reporting system (Rong .506) In Bangkok, during June 2023, there were 31 cases of smallpox monkeys, more than 21 cases in May 2023, or an increase of 0.5 times, of which 27 were Thais and foreigners. 4 people, all male A group of 30 men who have sex with men and 14 of them have a history of HIV infection.

However, from the risk assessment (Risk Estimation) of diseases and health hazards, it was found that this disease is at moderate risk. Restricted to a specific group and the distribution characteristics of the disease are similar to other sexually transmitted diseases Because the contact must touch each other closely, such as having sex. patients found in Bangkok No severe symptoms were found. But there is a tendency to increase among men who have sex with men. Most risk history is One night stan sex with an unknown person (non-committal relationship) is the highest and has a history of going to risky locations conducive to gay sex. Including groups that are popular in having a One Night Stan relationship, such as parks, public toilets establishments such as fitness centers, onsens, saunas, as well as meeting unknown people through dating applications. sex and HIV clinics, report through the disease reporting system Ror. Ror. 506, establishments especially saunas and entertainment venues exclusively for gay men should refrain from accessing the service and notify the district office or public health service center in the area

In addition, a campaign has been emphasized to promote knowledge and understanding of the symptoms of the disease for the public. including the nature of the infection How to protect yourself from smallpox monkeys and what to do when experiencing symptoms that fall into the disease category If you have any symptoms of illness, see a doctor immediately. to receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment By emphasizing that even having sex using a condom will prevent sexually transmitted diseases. But it cannot prevent smallpox monkeys. because it can be infected by close contact as well as cooperate with public health networks such as NGOs, health establishments such as spas, saunas, to publicize knowledge suggesting symptoms and measures to prevent smallpox monkeys for people especially in high-risk target groups and emphasizing practical guidelines for medical personnel in the public health service center especially in sexually transmitted disease clinics Dermatology Clinic HIV treatment clinics. If a patient is found, send confirmation of infection. through the Institute for Disease Prevention and Control in Urban Areas (Public Organization), investigating all cases of disease Be vigilant and control disease in the area as soon as possible. to reduce the spread

Mrs. Lertlak Leelasaewuang, director of the Medical Office (EPPO), Bangkok, said that EPPO has been monitoring smallpox monkeys and is preparing disease prevention guidelines from the Department of Disease Control. If there are symptoms of the disease, it should be noted that the symptoms are similar to smallpox monkeys. The symptoms are as follows: fever, chills, headache, enlarged lymph nodes Muscle pain and fatigue, in some cases, may have a cough or back pain Approximately 1-3 days after the fever, the rash begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. The rash then turns into pustules. Finally, the pustules are covered with scales and fall off. These symptoms last about 2-4 weeks, with most patients recovering from the disease on their own. But in the case of people with low immunity or have a congenital disease Serious complications such as pneumonia or death may occur. If a suspected patient is found, they will be quarantined immediately and reported according to the established guidelines.

In this regard, the public is asked to follow the news closely. If you have to travel to a foreign country where people have been diagnosed with smallpox monkeys should be careful Avoid contact with pests and observe symptoms after returning from abroad where there is an outbreak. The disease is caused by close contact. not easily communicated Measures used to prevent COVID-19 can also be used to prevent smallpox monkeys: If abnormalities are found such as fever, rash on the face, arms and legs, seek medical attention immediately. Including following Universal Prevention measures by regularly washing hands with soap. or alcohol gel often, spaced, not mingling with patients Or those with blister, pustules. For men who have sex with men and have multiple partners, they can receive counseling at several sexual health clinics. Bangkok (BKK Pride Clinic) in 5 hospitals under the BMA: Central Hospital Tel. 02 220 8000 ext. 10350 Taksin Hospital Tel. 02 437 0123 ext. 1136, 1140 Charoen Krung Pracharak Hospital Tel. 02 289 7890 Raj Hospital Pipat Tel. 02 102 4222 or 02 421 2222 and Sirindhorn Hospital Tel. 02 328 6900 – 15 Ext. 10268, 10269

In addition, it has ordered all hospitals under BMA monitors both emergency room (ER) and outpatient (OPD) patients, including hospitals with specialized clinics such as sexually transmitted disease clinics. Dermatology Clinic At the same time, Sirindhorn Hospital was assigned to open a new emerging disease control operation center. to monitor information closely monitor the smallpox situation If patients with suspected symptoms are found, they are to be quarantined and notified immediately to administrators and the Ministry of Public Health. He stressed that medical personnel should separate infected patients from others if they are found. But such vaccination should only be done for people whose work is at risk. or close to people or only infected animals And the vaccine can still be received after being infected no more than 14 days. If you have any symptoms of illness, seek medical attention immediately and isolate. to prevent the spread of infection or ask for more information at the health hotline Medical Office, Bangkok, Tel. 1646, 24 hours a day.

Source: Bangkok

2023-07-04 06:45:00

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