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Cases of monkeypox in Thailand skyrocketed

Posted on 04 Month 07 2023

Thailand's health agency said the number of monkeypox cases spiked in June, warning men who have sex with men to be careful.

On July 2, Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of Thailand's Department of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said that since the country had its first case of monkeypox in July last year, there have been 91 cases were recorded.

"Last month alone there were 48 new cases, two to three times the number of 21 cases in May," Mr. Tares said.

He added 48 new cases, all men, having sex with men. 22 people, equivalent to 45.8%, had a history of HIV infection. Most of the patients had unprotected sex or relationships with strangers. No one developed serious symptoms or died.

However, people infected are children, pregnant women or immunocompromised people at risk of becoming seriously ill or even dying if infected with this virus.

"The disease can be prevented by avoiding close contact with patients or suspected infected people, and limiting sexual contact with strangers," said the head of the Thai CDC.

People with an epidemiological history can self-monitor for symptoms such as a rash on the genitals, anus, mouth or the rest of the body. Other manifestations are cold, headache, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes within 21 days of contact with a monkeypox infected person. If you have symptoms, Dr. Tares recommends going to the hospital.

Dr Sophon Iamsirithaworn, deputy director of the Thai CDC, said the high spread of the disease in June reflects the risky behavior of men of reproductive age, especially those who have sex with men.

On May 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to a global emergency over monkeypox, nearly a year after the disease caused concern in many countries.

Vietnam recorded its first case of monkeypox in October 2022. To date, the disease has not become a major threat.

* SOURCE: https://vnexpress.net/ca-nhiem-dau-mua-khi-o-thai-lan-tang-vot-4624544.html

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