2023-07-06 01:00:00
Thursday 6 July 2023, 6:00 a.m.
Frightened of Smallpox Monkeys
June Total Sick: 48
Bangkok Found the Most
Government to Reduce Risk
The number of “monkey pox” patients in June rose to 48 cases, with Bangkok reporting the highest number of 38 cases. In response, the government has accelerated public relations efforts and provided principles for self-defense advice to avoid risky behavior. Those who have been in close contact with a stranger or a person with smallpox are advised to observe symptoms for 21 days.
On July 5, Mr. Anucha Burapachaisri, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, announced that smallpox has become an emerging infectious disease in Thailand. As of July 2022, there have been a total of 91 reported cases in Thailand, and the trend continues to increase. In June alone, 48 new cases were reported, which is 2.3 times more than the total of 21 cases in May. The majority of cases, 41 Thais and 7 foreigners, were found in Bangkok (38 cases) and 3 in Samut Prakan Province. Other provinces like Chonburi, Nonthaburi, Samut Sakhon, Phuket, and Pathum Thani reported 1 or 2 cases each. Among the new cases, 22 involved men who have sex with men and had a history of HIV infection, representing 45.8% of the cases in June 2023. Unprotected sex or having sex with an unknown stranger were identified as risk factors for these cases.
Mr. Anucha clarified that there have been no reports of severe symptoms or deaths among smallpox patients. However, nearly half of the newly reported cases in June were among individuals who were also HIV-infected. Preventive measures include avoiding close contact with patients or suspected cases of smallpox, refraining from having sex with unknown strangers, avoiding crowded places, frequent handwashing, and not sharing personal belongings with others. Individuals can also check for initial symptoms such as rashes, blisters, or pus in the genital area, anus, mouth, or body. Those experiencing symptoms are advised to seek medical attention and notify health facilities of their risk history.
The significant increase in smallpox cases within a month reflects risky behaviors that contribute to transmission, especially among males of reproductive age, particularly men who have sex with men. The Department of Disease Control is calling for cooperation from networks including private hospitals, clinics, civil society organizations, spas, and saunas to help raise awareness and provide education on smallpox symptoms for at-risk individuals.
The Department of Disease Control emphasizes that smallpox can be prevented by avoiding close contact with the patient’s skin, not sharing personal items, and practicing safe sex using condoms. Additionally, individuals should be aware of pustules in areas that may come into contact with the skin. The Department of Disease Control has instructed HIV treatment clinics to regularly communicate smallpox prevention measures to their patients. Severe cases may occur in children with personal health problems or immune deficiencies, who are encouraged to seek medical attention at health service facilities or hospitals.
For more information or assistance, individuals can contact the Urban Disease Prevention and Control Institute at the Department of Disease Control at 0 2521 1668 or the Bang Rak Medical Center Building at 0 2286 0431. The Department of Disease Control hotline can also be reached at 1422.
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