Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, MD. Director-General of the Department of Disease Control Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reveals the situation of smallpox (monkey pox) around the world (June 5, 65) that since May 7, 65, a total of 990 cases have been reported, divided into 920 confirmed cases. 70 cases and suspected cases from 43 countries
for Thailand Monkey pox is a contagious disease that must be monitored. As of now, no confirmed cases have been reported in Thailand. For six suspected patients, it was found that the laboratory results Monkey pox was not found at all. At the same time, no close contacts were found at high risk. However, Thailand is still at risk of spreading monkey pox. Because there is an opportunity to see patients with a history of traveling from countries where the cases were reported.
In this regard, Thailand has prepared, surveillance and response to the smallpox situation in the country, namely: 1. Emphasis on disease surveillance. immigrants, hospitalized patients Dermatology Clinic, STI (Sexually transmitted infection) clinic and wildlife caretakers from Africa. and collecting samples for laboratory examination; 3. Prepare the investigation team;
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates monkeypox is at moderate risk because it is the first time the number of cases and clusters of monkeypox cases has been identified. Reports come from many regions around the world. and there is no clear epidemiological link to countries endemic to smallpox. and due to the large number of patients indicating that it is likely to be human-to-human transmission
“The situation around the world right now Still found that the number of monkey pox cases is not much. It’s not like the spread of COVID-19. that found the number of patients increasing rapidly around the world Shows that monkey pox is not spread quickly. and no deaths have been reported. Therefore, people are asked not to worry too much. Although Thailand has the opportunity to meet patients from travelers, the Ministry of Health has a screening system. good patient check and ready to provide vaccines if necessary,” said Dr. Opas.