SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Thailand has confirmed its first case of the new and deadlier Clade 1b version of the Monkey Pox (Mpox) virus, which has raised global concerns due to its higher mortality rate. This strain, which has a 3% death rate was initially confined to Africa but was detected outside the continent last week in Sweden, reminding fears of a wider outbreak. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) had previously declared Mpox a global health emergency, focusing on the severity of the situation.

The confirmed cases in Thailand involve a 66-year-old European man who had recently worked in an African country experiencing an ongoing Mpox outbreak. He arrived in Thailand on Wednesday (August/14/2024), after small bumps on his skin the following day, leading to the confirmation of the Clade 1b version of the new version of the virus. 

Thai Health officials have since been closely monitoring 43 individuals who had been in contact with the man, though none have shown symptoms thus far.

Dr. Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn, the general director of Thailand's disease control department, addressed the public’s concerns, assuring that the spread of this version of the virus is less likely compared to Covid-19 or influenza. He prioritized the importance of preventive measures such as frequent handwashing with soap or alcohol gel, avoiding close contact with strangers, and steering clear of areas where outbreaks are occurring. 

Additionally, he advised against contact with rodents, such as rats and squirrels which could be carriers of the virus.

In response to the detected case, Thailand has implemented stricter controls on travelers coming from regions known to have Mpox outbreaks. These travelers are required to register with the thai health pass and undergo thorough screenings upon arrival.

Health workers will be on alert for anyone with a temperature above 36.8°C (98.2°F) and will conduct additional checks for signs of a rash or bumps, with potential cases being separated and tested for Mpox. to further bolster its response, thailand has prepared 60 quarantine rooms for those who may need isolation

Thailand has previously reported over 800 cases of the Clade 2b version of Mpox, a strain that predominantly spreads through sexual contact, particularly among men who have sex with men. However, the emergence of Clade Ib, which spreads mainly through heterosexual contact and poses a higher mortality risk, has heightened the urgency of containment efforts.

The Mpox virus, which is endemic to Central and Western africa has spread rapidly across the globe since 2022, affecting nearly 100,00 people in 116 countries/ as thailand grapples with this new threat, the focus remains on preventing further transmission and safeguarding public health.

Writer: Fariz Ahmad Luthfi