Date: August 19, 2024
Health experts are urging the Thai population to remain vigilant amidst concerns over a new strain of mpox that could escalate into a significant global health crisis. The Clade 1b subvariant is particularly troublesome as it can spread through respiratory droplets, presenting a higher risk than previously encountered strains.
Dr. Yong Poovorawan, a clinical virologist from Chulalongkorn University, highlighted in a recent announcement that this strain has been aggressively propagating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), initially revealed to have affected both children and adults, with the most severe impacts seen in the pediatric population.
Clade 1b is notably more transmissible than Clade 2, which had already been reported in Thailand. While Clade 2 is spread through close physical contact, Clade 1b can be transmitted through both close contact and respiratory droplets, increasing its potential for widespread infection.
All demographics are vulnerable to both Clade 1 and Clade 2 infections; however, statistical data indicates that 98% of Clade 2b cases in Thailand have been diagnosed in males, particularly within the gay community.
In response to the evolving situation, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) has reported a significant milestone, noting the 100th case of Clade 2b in Thailand. As a precautionary measure, the DDC has implemented enhanced surveillance protocols in healthcare facilities and locations at higher risk for disease spread.
Additionally, all international airports and ports, especially Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi Airports along with Laem Chabang Port, have been mandated to screen incoming passengers from Africa. The Department of Medical Sciences is tasked with ensuring that necessary laboratory and medical supplies are available in preparation for any potential outbreaks.
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized the mpox situation as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC), as numerous cases have surfaced in various African nations, including DRC, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. From 2022 to 2024, over 14,520 global cases of the Clade 1b subvariant have been reported, resulting in 456 fatalities.
