The first known case of the new and deadly ampoxvirus in Asia has been confirmed in Thailand. The patient who tested positive for the new strain arrived in Bangkok on August 14.
The patient had traveled from Africa to the United Kingdom before arriving in Thailand.
According to the Department of Disease Control, after multiple laboratory tests on the 66-year-old European patient, it was confirmed that he was infected with ampox clade 1b.
“The Department of Disease Control of Thailand would like to confirm laboratory test results which detected ampox clade 1b in the European patient,” the department said in an official statement.
“We have monitored 43 people who came in close contact with the patient and so far none of them have shown any symptoms, but we have to continue monitoring for a total of 21 days,” the department said.
800 cases of clade 2 ampox have been detected in Thailand since 2022.
No case of ampox has been reported in India so far. To ensure the safety of the citizens of the country, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has issued a protocol to deal with suspected cases of ampox in India.
Delhi government hospitals directed to set up isolation rooms for suspected, confirmed cases of ampox in India
The Centre has directed officials at airports, seaports and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain on high alert for passengers showing any symptoms of the virus.
What is Mpox?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as “an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. Most people make a full recovery, but some become very ill.”
How does the virus spread?
In humans, it spreads through touch, kissing or sex. The WHO says that if a pregnant woman is diagnosed with the virus, they can pass it on to their unborn baby. People suffering from diseases such as HIV are at a higher risk of experiencing complications from the virus
Can the virus be stopped?
According to the World Health Organization, “The virus can be prevented by avoiding physical contact with a person infected with ampox. Vaccination can help prevent infection in people at risk.”
With inputs from AFP, PTI
