Saturday, March 25, 2023, 6:00 a.m.
Thailand finds 3 more cases of ‘small monkey pox’
Two of them had an affair with a stranger.
The Ministry of Public Health is vigilant and can be prevented.
The Ministry of Public Health reveals that Thailand has found 3 more cases of “small monkey pox”, 2 of which have a history of having sex with strangers, now being quarantined. to treat the disease in the hospital Emphasize intense surveillance of patients, preventable, refrain from having sex with strangers
On March 24, 2023, Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong Director-General of the Department of Disease Control said that three cases of smallpox were reported in the past two weeks. Between March 12-23, 2023, according to epidemiological investigation data It was found that all 3 patients were male, aged between 27 and 40 years old, 2 were Thai nationals and 1 foreigner had lived in Thailand for about 10 years. All three had never met.
However, the last 2 patients gave a history of having sex with a stranger in a service place. by the Department of Disease Control together with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Send a disease control investigation team to the area. Ready to separate groups at risk of exposure to the disease Observe symptoms closely for 3 weeks.
Dr. Tares said that Smallpox situation worldwide (data as of March 23, 2023) 86,646 confirmed smallpox cases, 112 deaths, found in 110 countries. However, smallpox is still found among men who have sex with men (MSM). The top 10 countries reporting the highest number of new cases in 21 days are Bolivia (21), El Salvador (20), Democratic Republic of Congo (18), United Kingdom (17), Greece (14). Netherlands (14), Switzerland (14), Puerto Rico (14), Lebanon (12), and Nigeria (11).
Dr. Sopon Iamsirithaworn, M.D. Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control said that at present, Thailand has found a total of 18 smallpox patients, of which 15 previous cases have been cured. up Which is the location where pustules are found in the genital area, which is likely to become infected during sex with a stranger in a dimly lit brothel The characteristics are similar to smallpox outbreaks in other countries such as Spain and Canada last year.
Asking for cooperation from all hospitals. Be prepared in case a suspected person is found infected. or people with symptoms to collect samples for confirmation of infection and isolate patients until laboratory results are known in order to prevent the spread of infection and stressed that people can protect themselves from smallpox By avoiding close contact with people who have fever and rashes, blisters, pustules around the body. Refrain from having sex or intimate contact with strangers or people who don’t know their history. Always wash your hands often. with soapy water or alcohol gel Do not share personal items with others, such as towels.
Deputy Director General Department of Disease Control He also said that if there are suspected symptoms such as rashes on the body, bulging blisters, clear blisters, pustules, scabs after fever, sore throat, headache, muscle pain. enlarged lymph nodes Especially people with a history of risk. You can report your risk history and get tested for infection at a hospital near you immediately. For more information, please contact the Department of Disease Control hotline, Tel. 1422.”