Thailand has confirmed Asia's first known case of a new, deadlier strain of mpox, Clade 1b, in a 66-year-old patient who traveled from Africa. Laboratory tests verified the infection, prompting the Department of Disease Control to announce their findings. They also reported that the World Health Organization would be notified about this development, given that mpox Clade 1b has led to increasing cases globally, particularly in Africa.
The WHO has declared a global public health emergency due to the new variant of mpox, emphasizing the urgent need for manufacturers to increase vaccine production. This declaration comes in response to a rise in infections and deaths, notably in Africa. The situation has become alarming, and authorities are taking necessary actions, including travel restrictions, to combat the spread and safeguard public health.
Monitoring of 43 individuals who had close contact with the infected patient is ongoing. The Thai Department of Disease Control indicates that although these contacts have shown no symptoms to date, they will continue to observe them for a full 21 days, underscoring the importance of vigilance in managing potential outbreaks of the new variant.
Clade 1b is particularly concerning as it has a case fatality rate of around 3.6%, with children being more vulnerable. The virus spreads through close physical contact, leading to symptoms like fever, muscular aches, and distinctive skin lesions. While mpox has been a known illness for decades, the emergence of this more deadly strain signals an urgent need for enhanced precaution and response strategies globally.
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