Smallpox Monkey Outbreak: Rising Cases in Bangkok and Tourist Provinces

2023-09-04 23:40:00

Tuesday, September 5, 2023, 6:40 a.m.

smallpox monkey eruption

Bangkok – tourist province

The Ministry of Public Health.

The Department of Disease Control is concerned regarding “monkey smallpox” changing the epidemic pattern. Found more in the youth group “male love men” and began as a group of students. The epidemic rate increases almost 2 times every month. The side of “Mr. Thira” is concerned regarding the increasing number of patients who work in the service sector.

Especially nightlife in Bangkok – the province of tourism indicate similar outbreaks “HIV” in the past Emphasize self-defense If the disease prevention and control system is not good, it can cause a starburst epidemic.

On September 4, 2023 at the Ministry of Public Health (Sor Sor.), Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn, M.D. Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control gave an interview regarding the increasing cases of monkey pox (Mpox) or Mpox infections in Thailand. and began to be found in the youth group that The situation of smallpox monkeys from July 2022 to August 2023, there were 316 infected patients. In recent months, the infection has increased quite rapidly. In August, the number increased to 145. Worryingly, youth aged 15-24 were infected with an increase in the number of infected people in August to 16 cases from a total of 28 cases. This is considered an epidemiological change that was originally found in working age. now found younger and began to have students

Dr. Sophon continued that It is a change in the outbreak in the original risk group with MSM as the main cause. people infected with HIV now come youth As for HIV and smallpox infections, they are similar to other countries. Because those who have not received HIV treatment have low immunity. When infected with smallpox, monkeys are likely to show symptoms easily. Some may have severe symptoms. which had been born in Europe before, which was 3-4 months ago Thailand also found this. Last month, 1 case was found with severe symptoms. existing HIV Many infections, including fungi, pneumonia and smallpox monkeys causing severe symptoms to the point of death Even taking antiretroviral drugs

The reporter asked Worried or not, when it spreads to the youth, it spreads faster than before. Dr. Sophon said if compared to working age Speed ​​may not be different. we notice that Groups that receive knowledge through various channels Began to change behavior, so even though there are more infected people But not as fast as the outbreak in Europe. But it is still a rate that increases almost 2 times every month. It is considered that all measures to reduce the risk of infection must still be used.

asked regarding the increasing trend of smallpox Is it the same or different from when HIV first entered Thailand? How? Dr. Sophon said. think different because of fast communication provide correct knowledge Transmission rate is slower than early HIV in Thailand. because there is a cost of knowledge Protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. By highlighting this disease in some extra sections make people aware and aware faster Compared to HIV, which was 30 years ago, it was new. People do not know how to prevent have disgust Unable to access services, it’s very different.

Dr. Sophon reiterated that Smallpox is not only caught during sexual intercourse. view from patients who go to hospital for treatment Many cases have pustules on the abdomen or buttocks. that may touch It’s not only during direct sex. Close contact in related activities increases the risk of infection. How to prevent it: Refrain from having sex with people you don’t know. because I didn’t have a chance to ask first or did not even look at whether there was a wound, blister, rash compatible with the nature of the disease or not in the area where there was a chance to touch the skin It is still a valid recommendation. Please observe the details carefully. But it is important to avoid or abstain from unsafe sex altogether.

The reporter asked if Seeing more patients doesn’t have to be a level of measures, right? Dr. Sophon said Every agency working together, both the public and private sectors, has always consulted and used all mechanisms such as public communication. social media Use organizational mechanisms such as schools, NGOs working on sexual health. and village health volunteers (VHVs) to educate people

As for the drugs and vaccines that will be used Dr. Sophon said Medicine provided by the World Health Organization. For those with severe symptoms by collecting data to see effectiveness because it is not registered for smallpox distributed in Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute Including provinces with a lot of patients, such as Chonburi, Phuket, etc., but there are not many drugs, there are regarding 100 cases, now 10-20 percent are used, if necessary, they can ask for more support. For the vaccine will be the next tool. which executive The Ministry of Public Health has coordinated with the World Health Organization and countries with donated vaccines. Including the use of mechanisms of 10 ASEAN countries that have cooperation in public health. The vaccine is expected later this year. Some of the vaccines are registered for human smallpox. But when there is a smallpox monkey, it can be useful for prevention. can be used but must be registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thira Woratanarat, Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University posted on Facebook regarding the smallpox outbreak that Been analyzing since August last year 2022 is definitely protracted. and will continue like HIV Thailand has 145 new cases of smallpox, most of them in Bangkok. But other tourist provinces are also increasing, so you should protect yourself. Especially people working in the service sector. and nightlife attractions, whether in Bangkok or in other provinces and tourism provinces In addition to found that smallpox monkeys are mainly transmitted through physical contact. In Africa, it is also transmitted from mother to child through the placenta. And there is a chance of infection through contaminated environment and personal or tangible equipment. The virus’ genetic material has also been found in respiratory secretions, blood, urine and sperm.

“When a smallpox monkey case occurs in the community, The chance of continually spreading the infection is high. The source to watch out for is entertainment venues, especially at night attraction Including campsites where there are many people, crowded, poorly cleaned, ”Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thira said and said that if the nature of the outbreak is as learned from the past potential eruption It will take some time. which is longer than COVID-19 and similar to HIV and often comes out in the form superspreading in risky areas and populations with risk behaviors if the surveillance system is good enough But if the surveillance system is not good enough may encounter a starburst phenomenon The best choice for people like us is Protect yourself regularly.

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