Thailand Reports First Case of Deadly Mpox Strain: A New Public Health Concern

Thailand has confirmed its first case of a potentially more dangerous strain of mpox, marking the first appearance of the Clade 1b variant in Asia. This development follows the recent detection of the strain outside Africa, with a reported case in Sweden just a week prior.

Details of the Case

The infected individual is a 66-year-old European man who arrived in Bangkok from an undisclosed African country on August 14. By the following day, he began showing symptoms and sought medical care. The diagnosis confirmed he had contracted the Clade 1b strain of mpox, a variant currently causing significant issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring regions.

Clade 1b Strain and Its Impact

Mpox, previously known for its less severe impact compared to other viruses like Covid-19, has become a growing concern due to the Clade 1b strain. This variant has shown a higher fatality rate, approximately 4%, and has already led to at least 450 deaths in the DRC. The virus has spread to previously unaffected areas such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

The Clade 1b strain's severity is evident from its rapid and lethal impact, with the virus causing flu-like symptoms and skin lesions that can be fatal, particularly in its more virulent form.

Global Response and Precautionary Measures

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the spread of Clade 1b a public health emergency of international concern. In response, Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has identified and is monitoring 43 individuals who were in close contact with the infected man. The country has also implemented stricter border controls, requiring travelers from 42 high-risk countries to undergo testing upon arrival.

Vaccination and Diagnostic Efforts

Vaccination remains a critical component in managing mpox, although supply issues persist in Africa. The DRC is expected to receive millions of doses soon to help combat the outbreak. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated the registration process for mpox diagnostic test kits to better manage and track the spread of the virus.

Looking Ahead

The emergence of the Clade 1b strain of mpox underscores the need for heightened vigilance and robust public health measures to prevent further spread. As global health authorities and countries like Thailand respond to this new challenge, efforts to control and understand the virus will be crucial in mitigating its impact.