Thailand finds Mpox infected European originating from a clade 1 infested African country

Thailand medical authorities has recently detected a case of Mpox in a European man who arrived from an African country. This case has raised significant concerns as it is suspected that the infection may belong to the Clade I variant, a strain known for its higher transmissibility and severity compared to other variants. The Thailand Medical authorities are on high alert as they await confirmatory test results to determine the exact strain of the virus.


Thailand finds Mpox infected European originating from a clade 1 infested African country

Arrival and Immediate Isolation
The patient, a 66-year-old European male, arrived in Thailand on August 14, 2024. He had traveled from an African country where the Clade I variant of mpox has been causing outbreaks. Although the specific African nation was not disclosed, the region is known to have reported a surge in mpox cases, particularly involving the Clade I strain. Upon arrival, the man was quickly isolated after he began showing symptoms the following morning.
 
According to Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, Director General of the Department of Disease Control, the patient had little interaction with others after landing in Thailand. "He arrived around 6 p.m. on August 14 and went straight to his accommodation. By the morning of August 15, he noticed blisters and immediately sought medical attention," Dr. Thongchai stated during a press conference. The patient was then quarantined in a hospital where initial tests were conducted.
 
Awaiting Confirmation of Clade I Variant
The Thai authorities are treating this case with utmost caution, assuming it could be the Clade I variant of mpox. This variant has caused global concern due to its higher rate of transmission and more severe symptoms compared to other strains. Initial tests for the more common Clade IIb variant came back negative, leading to further testing for Clade I. As of now, the results are inconclusive, but a definitive test result is expected by Friday.
 
Thailand has not previously reported any cases of the Clade I variant, making this case particularly significant. Since 2022, the country has recorded approximately 800 cases of mpox, all belonging to the Clade II variant, which is less severe.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/thailand-medical-authorities-warn-that-mpox-cases-are-once-again-rising-since-mid-april
 
There have been 9 deaths due to Mpox in Thailand for 2024 and one death in 2023.
https://ourworldindata.org/mpox
 
The detection of a Clade I case could mark a new phase in Thailand's battle against the virus.
 
The Broader Context: Rising Mpox Cases in Africa
The suspected Clade I variant in this case is the same strain that has been driving a surge of mpox cases in several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The DRC alone has reported over 16,000 cases and 500 deaths this year, underscoring the severity of this variant.
 
Clade I has a mortality rate of up to 10%, significantly higher than Clade II, which has a mortality rate of less than 1% in individuals with normal immune systems. This variant is also believed to spread more easily, including through non-sexual close contact, raising concerns about its potential to cause larger outbreaks if not contained.
 
Thai Authorities’ Response and Preventive Measures
In response to this potential Clade I case, Thai health authorities have intensified their surveillance and preventive measures. The 43 individuals who were in contact with the patient during his journey to Thailand have been identified and are under close observation. Fortunately, none of them have shown any symptoms so far, and no quarantine has been deemed necessary for these individuals.
 
Dr. Thongchai emphasized the importance of public awareness and disease control measures. "We don't want people to panic and self-diagnose. It's crucial to follow proper protocols and seek medical attention if any symptoms appear," he said. The Thai government has also heightened controls at entry points into the country, particularly for travelers coming from regions with known outbreaks.
 
Monitoring and Testing Capabilities in Thailand
The Department of Medical Sciences in Thailand has been closely monitoring monkeypox strains through regular laboratory tests. The country has a robust network of 62 laboratories capable of conducting tests for mpox, with results available within 24 hours. These laboratories cover 24 provinces, including major areas such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, ensuring a wide-reaching testing capability.
 
Recent genome sequencing efforts have identified several substrains of mpox in Thailand, with the C.1 substrain being the most prevalent. This substrain is less severe than Clade I, but the detection of a possible Clade I case highlights the ongoing evolution and mutation of the virus. Thai health officials remain vigilant in monitoring these developments to prevent the spread of more dangerous variants.
 
Global and Local Implications
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global public health emergency, though it has emphasized that the situation is not akin to the COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO's concern is particularly focused on the spread of Clade I in Africa, where the virus has begun to infect children more frequently, indicating a possible change in transmission dynamics.
 
In Thailand, the detection of this case underscores the need for continued vigilance and robust public health measures. The government has urged citizens and visitors alike to be aware of the symptoms of mpox, which include fever, muscle aches, and distinctive pustules on the skin. Prompt medical attention and accurate reporting are crucial in containing any potential outbreaks.
 
Conclusion
As Thailand awaits the confirmatory test results for this suspected Clade I mpox case, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by emerging infectious diseases. The country's health authorities are well-prepared, with strong testing capabilities and preventive measures in place. However, the global nature of mpox, particularly with the emergence of more virulent strains, means that continuous vigilance and international cooperation are essential.
 
For the latest Mpox News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
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