The Clade IIb variant, dominant during the 2022 outbreak, primarily transmitted via sexual intercourse, predominantly impacting men who engage in sexual activity with other men. Behavioral changes and vaccinations ultimately helped to reduce its transmission. Epidemiologists observe that Clade Ib seems to be mainly transmitted through heterosexual sex, while another variation, Clade Ia, is spread through household contact and exposure to infected animals, as well as sexual intercourse. Children at a young age are identified as the most susceptible to Cl.

On Wednesday, Thai authorities verified that a 66-year-old man from Europe, who had been employed in a country in Africa going through a health crisis, had contracted the virus. Although the specific country was not mentioned, it was disclosed that the man owns a residence in Thailand and experienced mild symptoms. Traveling from Africa, he made a stop in the Middle East before reaching Thailand on the evening of August 14. The following morning, he began to exhibit a fever and small skin bumps.

What does mpox stand for?

Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a viral illness connected to the smallpox virus that has been eliminated. According to WHO, it can be transmitted through close interaction like hugging, kissing, or sexual contact, as well as through contaminated items such as fabric, clothing, and needles.

Common early signs usually resemble the flu, such as fever, chills, fatigue, headache, and muscle soreness, and are later accompanied by a rash with raised, scabbing lesions that typically clear up within a few weeks.

Doctors recommend that the general public take safety measures.

Dr. Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn, who heads Thailand’s disease control department, urged the public to follow certain preventive measures: “Individuals should cleanse their hands with soap or hand sanitizer, steer clear of unfamiliar individuals, stay away from areas with reported outbreaks, and prevent contact with rodents like rats and squirrels in those areas.

The Department of Disease Control in Thailand is currently keeping an eye on 43 people who were either near or in contact with the man who is infected. No one has displayed symptoms yet, but observation will persist for 21 days.