BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Disease Control is keeping a close watch on the rise in mpox cases following an increase since June, while urging people at higher risk of infection to watch for symptoms and seek medical care promptly. Between January 1 and July 18, the country recorded 139 confirmed cases and two deaths, with both fatalities involving patients living with HIV.
Most infections this year have been linked to sexual or other close physical contact. Of the confirmed cases, 135 were men, and four were women, with an average age of 36. Bangkok, surrounding provinces, major urban centers, and popular tourist destinations have reported the highest number of infections.
Health authorities said 88 cases involved the Clade Ib variant, which has become more common than Clade II in Thailand, although no deaths have been linked to the strain. The department added that 76 patients were living with HIV and advised people with weakened immune systems, young children, pregnant women, cancer patients, and others at higher risk of severe illness to avoid close contact with anyone showing possible symptoms.
Mpox spreads through close physical contact with an infected person, including contact with skin lesions, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects. People who may have been exposed are advised to monitor their health for 21 days and seek medical attention immediately if they develop a rash, blisters, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or other symptoms consistent with the disease. (NNT)
