A prominent Thai virologist says the country needs to be on alert as a serious Monkeypox outbreak grips parts of Africa.
Professor Yong Poovorawan, who heads up the Clinical Virology Specialised Centre at Chulalongkorn University, says the “1b” strain of the virus is spreading rapidly in Central and East Africa. He adds that the significant spread of the disease has prompted the World Health Organisation to declare a highest-level emergency.
“Previously, the Mpox outbreak over the past 2 years has been prevalent outside Africa, mainly involving Clade 2b of Group 2 strains, including over 400 cases found in Thailand. This strain is less severe, predominantly affects adult males, and is mostly transmitted through sexual contact, especially among men who have sex with men, accounting for 98% of cases.”
The virologist explains that the current strain circulating in Africa is a far more contagious variant than the strains previously seen in the last 2 years, as it can be spread not only through sexual contact, but through respiratory droplets.
“The strain currently spreading in Congo this year has affected tens of thousands of people and has spread to several countries in Africa. It is the original strain from Clade 1, now evolved into Clade 1b. This strain affects both children and adults, and both males and females, with a higher mortality rate among children. It is more severe than Group 2 strains and can be transmitted not only through close contact but also through respiratory droplets.”
Yong says the new strain must be closely monitored, warning that it could lead to a global outbreak of the virus.
“In Thailand, all cases of Mpox need to be monitored, and diagnosed quickly, and the strain should be identified promptly to implement measures to prevent the spread of Group 2 strains within the country.”
According to a Nation Thailand report, new cases have been reported in the Congo, Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda, as well as in countries outside of Africa, such as Sweden.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
