Thailand has reported Asia’s first case of a new and more dangerous strain of Monkeypox, as confirmed by the country’s Department of Disease Control on Thursday.
According to the AFP, the patient, a 66-year-old European man who arrived in Bangkok from Africa on August 14, tested positive for mpox Clade 1b, a variant known for its higher mortality rate.
“Thailand’s Department of Disease Control wishes to confirm the lab test result which shows Monkeypox Clade 1b in a European patient,” the department stated, emphasizing that the World Health Organization will be informed of this development.
The patient, who was hospitalized after showing symptoms consistent with MonkeyPox, has prompted health authorities to monitor 43 individuals who were in close contact with him.
“So far, they have shown no symptoms, but we must continue monitoring for a total of 21 days,” the department added.
Given the heightened risk, Thailand has implemented stricter entry requirements for travelers from 42 countries considered to be high-risk. These travelers are now required to register and undergo testing upon arrival.
Monkeypox, which can spread from animals to humans and through close physical contact, has been a known disease for decades.
However, the recent emergence of the Clade 1b strain has led to a significant surge in cases, particularly in Africa, where outbreaks have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda since July.
According to WHO, the Clade 1b strain has a mortality rate of approximately 3.6 percent, with children being particularly vulnerable. In response to the rising threat, the WHO has declared a global public health emergency and is urging vaccine manufacturers to increase production.
Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, the head of Thailand’s Department of Disease Control, reassured the public by noting that mpox is less likely to spread rapidly compared to COVID-19, as it requires close physical contact for transmission.
