Thailand has detected as many as 800 MPOX clade 2 cases so far since 2022. (Image)
New Delhi:
The first case of the new, more deadly Mpox virus strain in Asia was confirmed in Thailand. The patient who tested positive for the new strain arrived in Bangkok on August 14.
The patient had travelled from Africa to the UK before arriving in Thailand.
According to the disease control agency, multiple tests on the 66-year-old European patient confirmed that he was infected with mpox clade 1b.
“The Department of Disease Control of Thailand wishes to confirm the laboratory results which indicate the detection of MPOX clade 1b in a patient in Europe,” the agency said in an official statement.
“43 people who came into close contact with the patient are under monitoring and although they have not shown any symptoms so far, they will need to continue being monitored for a total of 21 days,” the ministry added.
In Thailand, as many as 800 MPOX clade 2 cases have been detected so far since 2022.
As of now, there are no confirmed cases of MPOX in India. To ensure the safety of the public, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has issued a protocol for handling suspected cases of MPOX in India.
In India, instructions have been given to set up isolation rooms in public hospitals in Delhi for suspected and confirmed cases of Mpox.
Authorities at airports, ports and at the borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan have been instructed by the central government to maintain strict vigil for passengers showing symptoms of the virus.
What is Mpox?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as “an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus that can cause a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes and fever. Most people recover fully, but some become seriously ill.”
How does the virus spread?
In humans, it is transmitted through contact, kissing and sex. According to the WHO, pregnant people who are diagnosed with the virus can pass it on to their unborn baby. People who have been diagnosed with diseases such as HIV are at increased risk of facing complications from the virus.
Can the virus be prevented?
According to WHO, the virus “can be prevented by avoiding physical contact with people infected with MPOX. Infection in at-risk individuals can be prevented by vaccination.”
Input from AFP, PTI
