Monkeypox patient found! (MPOX) in Thailand, expected to be a severe strain Clade 1B
On August 21, 2024, Dr. Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, held a press conference with the media, stating that today’s announcement does not confirm the detection of a monkeypox case of the Clade 1B variant. Instead, the male patient is merely a “suspected case.”
Previously, the Philippines also reported its first confirmed case of infection since December last year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of the Clade 1B variant of monkeypox (MPOX) a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” It has now become a major concern for the international community, as the number of monkeypox cases continues to rise.
The suspected severe monkeypox patient is a 66-year-old man who traveled from an African country where the Clade 1B variant of monkeypox has been reported. He arrived in Thailand on August 14 at approximately 6:00 PM. On August 15, he developed mild skin lesions and a fever.
Doctors conducted an examination and took his medical history, revealing that he had already tested negative for the Clade 2 variant of monkeypox. However, the test results for the Clade 1B variant were inconclusive. Despite confirmation that he indeed has monkeypox, it has not yet been determined whether it is the Clade 2 or Clade 1B variant. Therefore, further genetic sequencing using the PT-PCR method is required for confirmation.
Monkeypox can be classified into two variants: the Central African variant (Clade 1) and the West African variant (Clade 2). The Central African variant is more severe and may spread more easily.
The patient is currently under medical care and has not developed severe symptoms. However, close monitoring is still being maintained. The public can prevent monkeypox by following these measures:
- Wear a face mask.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Be cautious of animal bites or scratches.
- Do not share personal items with others.
- Avoid close contact with monkeypox patients.
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