First confirmed case of latest Mpox clade 1b variant in Asia
A European traveler who recently visited Thailand has been confirmed as the primary case of the brand new, more deadly Mpox variant in Asia. Thailand’s Department of Disease Control confirmed that the traveler was infected with the Clade 1B strain of the Mpox virus.
This Clade 1B strain is the primary confirmed case in Asia and the second confirmed case outside of Africa. The Thai government conducted laboratory tests on a 66-year-old traveler and traced 43 individuals who had contact with him.
Based on these checks, not one of the 43 individuals who had direct contact with the traveler showed symptoms consistent with Mpox transmission. However, the Thai government will proceed to closely and frequently monitor all 43 people for the subsequent 21 days.
The patient, infected with the clade 1B strain of Mpox virus, reportedly developed symptoms the day after landing in Bangkok after travelling from Africa and sought medical attention.
Read also: WHO raises alarm: Mpox is now a world public health threat
Global Impact and WHO Response
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on account of a brand new variant of the Mpox virus spreading in 13 African countries.
The External Situation Report No. 35, published by WHO on 12 August 2024, stated that from 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2024, a complete of 99,176 laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox, including 208 deaths, have been reported in 116 countries/areas/territories.
Since September last yr, the Mpox virus has mutated significantly, resulting in the emergence of the clade 1B variant, which experts now consider to be essentially the most dangerous and contagious version of the virus.
This variant has shown an increased ability to spread more quickly and efficiently than previous strains, prompting health concerns all over the world.
Read also: Southeast Asia amongst regions hit by Mpox spread
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has ordered anyone travelling from 42 high-risk countries to register and get tested upon arrival in Thailand as a precautionary measure to manage the spread of the Mpox virus at entry points into the country.
The clade 1B variant has not only been detected within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) but has also spread to neighbouring countries reminiscent of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, further raising concerns about its potential impact.
In addition, Europe has reported cases of the Clade 1B Mpox variant, with Sweden becoming the primary country outside Africa to substantiate such a case last week. After Sweden, Thailand also confirmed its first case in Asia, becoming the second country outside Africa to achieve this.
Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, head of Thailand’s Department of Disease Control, said the Mpox virus has a much lower transmissibility in comparison with the COVID-19 virus since it requires very close physical contact for transmission.
Despite being a light disease, Mpox has turn into a serious concern for governments all over the world. If not treated properly and promptly, it could actually pose a serious health risk and potentially result in death.
