Department of Disease Control expects that Thailand may find the first smallpox case of monkey pox at the Pride Parade event, including people from many countries. Watch out for 5 direct flights, recommending distance from people with rashes. Take them for an infection test before going on a journey.
On June 2, Dr. Chakrarat Pittayawong-anon Director of the Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, gave an interview about smallpox or monkeypox that from the surveillance and screening of smallpox in the country. At this time, there are no suspected and additional patients. As for the three foreigners whose results were found to have herpes. Has been treated and returned home since May 29, 65 by surveillance for monkey pox patients who are contagious from close contact. Although it is not a sexually transmitted disease, but the Department of Disease Control has coordinated with the hospital. Specialized clinics such as sexually transmitted diseases and skin diseases that if found a patient who meets the definition, send information to the central But at this time, most of them are not yet defined, such as no blisters, no rashes. However, smallpox is not a dangerous contagious disease. still in a communicable disease that must be monitored, comparable to dengue hemorrhagic fever
When asked if assessing the situation of smallpox worldwide Around what time is it expected that we will find patients in Thailand? Dr. Chakrarat said For smallpox cases, monkeypox cases begin in May from the Pride festival in Spain, where we will have a Pride Parade this week in Thailand. However, we need to keep an eye on direct flights from countries where the infection has been found in the country, now five out of the original three – Africa, England, Portugal, Spain and Canada, and to keep an eye on Germany. other
“It is expected that next week there will be monkey pox cases in Thailand. This week there will be a Pride Parade in Thailand in Bangkok that will be attended by visitors from abroad. It may be that the patient will definitely come in,” said Dr. Chakrarat.
When asked about the measures to be taken for the Pride Parade Dr. Chakrarat said At this time, the organizers of the event have not coordinated the information. but the Ministry of Health Planning a surveillance system for hospitals in Bangkok and coordinating the sexually transmitted disease care network to monitor patients who are admitted to specialized clinics But he stressed that monkey pox is not a sexually transmitted disease, but rather a contagious disease through direct contact. Therefore, Universal Prevention or UP measures with spaced distance are best.
When asked how many days more Pride Parade attendees will have to self-monitor. Dr. Chakrarat said If you are sure that you are not close to someone who is sick The rash is not a concern. But if they’re close without noticing is a risk Therefore, if someone is found with a rash, they should be brought to the hospital for examination to confirm that it is not chickenpox. The incubation period for the disease is 5-21 days, so if self-monitoring must be at least 3 weeks after the risk. that Initial symptoms for the first 10 days are fever. After that, a rash will appear. I asked to be examined at the hospital.
“During the Pride Parade Even those who attended did not have a rash. But if it’s good, still have to do UP. Distance from people as much as possible. to reduce the risk which was worried that after the event, there would be many days to hang out have very close contact It may be infected,” said Dr. Chakrarat.
Asked about whether the doctors caring for monkeypox patients needed to protect themselves with PPE kits, Dr. Chakrarat said. no need because it is not a contagious disease from the respiratory system but is infected by close contact with secretions such as hugging and kissing, so people who pass by have a rash no worries Just walk away is enough because most of the transmission distance is during the rash.
/////////