BANGKOK: Thailand has detected a case of mpox in a 66-year-old European man who recently arrived from Africa. The Department of Disease Control is awaiting test results to determine whether the strain is Clade 1, according to a statement from Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, the department’s director-general.
The man, who resides in Thailand, landed on August 14 from an African country where mpox is currently spreading. He sought medical attention the following day, August 15, at a local hospital. Due to the short time frame between his arrival and hospital visit, authorities believe the risk of transmission to others is minimal.
Thongchai said that the man had also transited through a Middle Eastern country before reaching Thailand. The results of the test to identify the mpox strain are expected by Friday. In the meantime, health officials are monitoring 43 individuals who may have come into contact with the patient.
While Thailand has reported 800 cases of mpox Clade 2 since 2022, this is the first suspected case of the Clade 1 or Clade 1b variants.
