2023-09-22 01:55:00
**Title: ‘Smallpox’ Illnesses Surge: 42 New Cases in 7 Days**
**Subtitle: Department of Disease Control Urges Urgent Symptom Checks and Highlights 5 Risky Touches**
**Friday, September 22, 2023, 6:55 a.m.**
The Department of Disease Control in Thailand has expressed growing concern over the rising number of smallpox cases among the population. In the past seven days alone, a total of 42 individuals have been diagnosed with the illness. Majority of the cases were reported among gay men, with a small percentage involving bisexual individuals.
Dr. Tharet Krasanairawiwong, the Director General of the Department of Disease Control, revealed that from January 1 to September 18, a total of 385 patients were diagnosed with smallpox, resulting in one death. Of the new cases reported this week, 41 were male and one was female. Among the new patients, 38 were Thai nationals, two were from Myanmar, one was Chinese, and one was Italian. Notably, 29 of the new patients were also found to be infected with HIV, accounting for approximately 69% of all new smallpox cases. The majority of the new patients were men who have sex with men, with three cases involving bisexual individuals and three cases involving heterosexual individuals. Additionally, 40.5% of the new patients admitted to having engaged in risky sexual behavior with unknown partners.
Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, provided recommendations for individuals who had close contact or engaged in sexual activity with suspected smallpox patients. These recommendations include avoiding sex with a patient, cleaning shared spaces such as bathrooms while the patient is symptomatic, providing care to suspected or diagnosed patients, maintaining a distance of at least 1 meter when interacting with sick individuals in enclosed spaces without wearing a mask, and sitting in close proximity to a patient who coughs or sneezes without wearing a mask.
Furthermore, Dr. Sophon emphasized the need for individuals to monitor themselves for symptoms for up to 21 days after contact with a patient. Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, enlarged lymph nodes, sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, rash, blisters, pus in the genital area, or skin lesions on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or anal region. Any individual presenting with these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, isolate themselves from family members and colleagues, and undergo diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention remains crucial in controlling the spread of smallpox. The Department of Disease Control advises refraining from having sex with unknown partners and avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with individuals displaying rashes, blisters, or pus. Frequent handwashing and avoiding the sharing of personal items are also recommended preventive measures. Additionally, public health departments across provinces have been instructed to monitor and support at-risk groups while disseminating information on infection prevention. Individuals seeking more information can contact the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.]
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