Smallpox Epidemic in Thailand: Increase in Cases Among Youth and HIV-Infected Individuals – Department of Disease Control Updates

2023-09-04 02:57:54

General news 9:50 a.m. 2023-09-04

The Department of Disease Control reveals that the smallpox epidemic situation in Thailand continues to increase. Began to meet patients in the youth group. Most patients are infected by having sex with strangers. or have more than 1 sexual partner, recommended if suspected of having a history of risk Hurry up to receive a medical examination. and notify risk information especially among patients with low immunity, such as those infected with HIV

Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong Director General Department of Disease Control The Ministry of Public Health (Sor.) said that the latest situation of smallpox in Thailand as of August 31, 2023, there were a total of 316 reported cases (1 death was an immunocompromised patient), a group of men who had sex with 271 males (85.8%) and 143 HIV-infected (45.3%) 277 Thai nationals, 36 foreigners, 3 unspecified

Most of them lived in Bangkok (198 cases), Chonburi (22 cases), Nonthaburi (17 cases) and Samut Prakan (12 cases). Most patients were 30-39 years old, 152 cases, followed by 20-29 years old, 85. 28 cases of youth aged 15-24 years, whose risk of infection is rapidly increasing among youth

However, the situation in the past 4 months An ongoing outbreak was found. in May 22 cases were reported, 48 cases were reported in June, 80 were reported in July, and 145 were reported in August, almost all of them Thais. And received the infection within the country. Of these, there was a reported death of a smallpox patient with severe symptoms of HIV infection. and opportunistic complications

However, Thailand has received support for Tecovirimat (trade name TPOXX) from the World Health Organization (WHO) for emergency use. It is a drug that is effective once morest the Poxvirus group for the treatment of confirmed patients with severe symptoms. and the doctor admitted to the hospital only

Dr. Sophon Iamsirithavorn Deputy Director General Department of Disease Control added that The early stages of the smallpox epidemic in Thailand. The risk group is working-age men. But in the past August Beginning to find young people infected with smallpox, as many as 16 cases, with reports from the disease control investigation team. Division of Epidemiology Office of Disease Prevention and Control 6, Chonburi Province in collaboration with the Chonburi Provincial Public Health Office and local agencies Investigating a confirmed smallpox patient, a 16-year-old male student who became ill on Aug. 6, 2023, received in-patient treatment on Aug. 14, 2023 with clear blisters on his body. together with swollen genitalia Smallpox was detected. risk history The patient had sex with multiple people. Follow up on symptoms of high-risk contacts. which is a household toucher until 21 days from the last day of contact with the patient No patient was found in the household.

Therefore, I would like to remind young people and MSM. To refrain from having unsafe sex, such as not in close contact with skin to skin Or hugging and kissing with strangers At this time, the situation of patients in Thailand has started to spread from working-age groups to teenagers to younger groups, such as school-age youth.

“Please be aware that Youth must protect themselves with knowledge and understanding. to reduce the risk of contracting the disease by observing the lesions, symptoms, and observing the skin on the body of the partner whether the rash is flat or raised, clear blisters, pustules and scabs Usually found on the genitals, around the anus, arms, legs, palms, soles, torso, and head. Before symptoms occur, there is often a fever along with other symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and back pain.” Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control specify

If suspected of being infected with smallpox See a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Along with separating from family members, accommodation or workplace Do not eat, drink water with containers with others Wear a hygienic mask all the time during illness. Cleaning, cleaning clothes, bedding, utensils separately, using separate toilets or cleaning by wiping with disinfectants such as hypochlorite, soapy water, etc.

By InfoQuest News Agency (04 Sep. 23)

Tags: HIV, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Tares Krassanaiwiwong, smallpox, monkey pox, Sophon Iamsirithaworn
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