Mpox Clade 2b: A Growing Concern
Mpox Clade 2b, a strain of monkeypox, is becoming a major concern in Thailand. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) recently announced that a European tourist is the latest case of Mpox in the country. This comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared monkeypox a global public health emergency.
The European patient had traveled to Thailand from Africa, according to Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, the chairman of the DDC. Laboratory testing is currently underway to confirm the strain of the virus. DDC officials suspect that it is the Clade 1 strain, rather than the more dangerous Clade 2. The infected tourists have been quarantined in a hospital, although the specific location has not been disclosed.
Dr. Yong Poovorawan, Thailand’s leading virologist, has emphasized the need for close surveillance of the Clade 2b strain. He warns that this particular type of monkeypox is a severe worry and must be closely monitored to prevent its entry into Thailand. Dr. Poovorawan highlights the importance of preventive measures, particularly among children. He also mentions that the vaccine for monkeypox is quite expensive and suggests conducting a study to determine if the vaccination dosage can be reduced without compromising its effectiveness.
Monkeypox cases and deaths are on the rise across Africa, with outbreaks reported in several countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The disease is caused by a virus transmitted by infected animals but spreads from person to person through close physical contact. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, muscle pains, and large boil-like skin sores.
While monkeypox has been known for quite some time, a new and more dangerous strain called Clade 1b has recently emerged. The WHO warns that children are particularly vulnerable to the fatal effects of this strain. Monkeypox was originally identified in 1958 in monkeys used for scientific purposes in Denmark. Since then, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported over 16,000 cases and 500 fatalities this year alone, according to the WHO.
In conclusion, the recent case of Mpox Clade 2b in Thailand is a cause for concern. The DDC is working to confirm the strain and has taken measures to quarantine the infected tourists. Dr. Poovorawan stresses the need for close surveillance and preventive measures, especially among children. Monkeypox cases continue to increase in Africa, with the Clade 1b strain proving to be more dangerous. It is crucial for authorities to address this issue and take necessary precautions to protect public health.