Department of Disease Control raises surveillance levels for “small pox”, tightening control over countries at risk of entering Thailand Reveals that there are more than 100 patients from 15 countries, still not found in Thailand
On May 22, 2022 Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, MD. Director-General of the Department of Disease Control mentionmonkey poxFound in England that the Department of Disease Control has established a Public Health Emergency Operations Center, the Department of Disease Control.Monkeypox (Monkeypox) to monitor situations, trends and anticipate future situations to prepare long-term and medium-term plans to improve strategies and appropriate measures
The World Health Organization (WHO) statement confirmed that Approximately 80 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed and 50 suspected cases of monkeypox are being investigated in 11 countries that are not endemic areas, with more cases likely to occur in other countries.
“The first case seen in this outbreak was in England. Has a history of traveling to Nigeria. In late April, England began to monitor and search for more patients. More than 100 cases have now been confirmed from 15 countries, including the UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, France, Germany, Sweden, the United States, Canada, Australia, Israel, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Greece.”
Dr. Opas said that Thailand has not reported any cases of monkey pox. But in this period, it began to open for more travel into the country. And it is a preparatory period for the entry into the endemic of COVID-19. Therefore, there may be a risk from travelers from endemic areas including the UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, France, Germany, Sweden, the United States, Canada and Australia. or those traveling from countries in Central Africa and West Africa in both international entry and exit channels or those who travel from such countries to major tourist provinces
Dr. Opas According to the International Communicable Disease Control and Quarantine Service, 13,142 registered travelers from the UK, Spain, Portugal, between May 1-22, were registered in the UK. 1,352 Spaniards and 268 Portugal.
“The Department of Disease Control has raised the level of surveillance for people traveling from these high-risk countries. Ask the public to closely follow the news. and if you have to travel to a country where smallpox cases are found Should be careful as follows: 1. Avoid contact with vectors, including rodents such as rats, squirrels and primates such as monkeys.
“Although there are no reports of infection in these animals in Thailand, If you come into contact with animals, wash your hands with soap and water immediately. and following returning from a country that has had a smallpox outbreak to observe symptoms If you find any abnormalities such as fever, rash on your face, arms and legs, seek immediate medical attention. along with the travel history.”
2. Follow Universal Prevention (UP) by washing your hands frequently with soap or alcohol gel. Separate all personal belongings and do not share with others. Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, mouth with your hands, eating cooked food, etc.
3. Avoid contact with secretions, wounds, blood and lymph of animals. or eating undercooked infected meat and avoid exposure to secretions such as saliva, droplets, or lymph from people who suspect they are sick or have a history of risk
Dr. Opas He said that the transmission from person to person even if there is little chance But it can occur through close contact with the patient through secretions. from the respiratory tract or blistered skin which the Department of Disease Control will closely monitor and notify the people from time to time
