2023-10-10 09:55:20
Monkeypox Cases Found in Bangkok Area, Health Officials Respond
The Bangkok Health Office (OHI) has reported that there have been 308 cases of monkeypox in the Bangkok area between July 1, 2022, and October 6, 2023. In response to the situation, the Office of the Provincial Administrative Organization has been closely monitoring the spread of the virus and providing support to educate the public about symptoms and preventive measures.
Target groups at risk, such as the LGBT community in Bangkok and tourists, have been a particular focus of the awareness campaign. Efforts have been made to disseminate information through various online media platforms and by sending health workers to these areas to provide knowledge and raise awareness.
Health officials have urged individuals to be vigilant and check for basic symptoms themselves. If a person experiences a rash or blister around the genitals, anus, mouth, or body, and has had close contact with a suspected monkeypox patient, they should observe themselves for 21 days. Symptoms such as fever, headache, enlarged lymph nodes, and rash or blisters should prompt immediate medical attention.
Bangkok has implemented a proactive approach to monitor and follow up on both at-risk and proactive groups. The disease reporting system helps detect outbreaks, and every case is thoroughly investigated. Collaborations with district offices, civil society organizations, and NGOs have been established to provide knowledge about high-risk areas for sexual intercourse among MSM, service establishments, saunas, and other places.
Prevention measures have also been emphasized, including refraining from having sex with strangers, avoiding skin-to-skin contact with people exhibiting rashes, bumps, or pus, regular handwashing, and not sharing personal items. It is important to note that while condoms can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases, they are not effective against monkeypox as the virus can spread through close skin-to-skin contact.
Director of the Medical Office (MD) Bangkok, Mrs. Lertluck Leelasawang, has instructed all hospitals under their supervision to closely monitor patients, including those in emergency rooms and outpatient departments. Hospitals with specialized clinics have been directed to report any confirmed cases of infection promptly to the Urban Disease Prevention and Control Institute (OBEC) for further investigation and control measures.
Sirindhorn Hospital has been designated as the center for emerging disease control operations, tasked with closely monitoring the monkeypox situation. Should a patient with suspected symptoms be identified, isolation and quarantine protocols must be followed, and relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Public Health, must be notified immediately.
Health officials stress the importance of isolation and preventive measures to reduce the spread of infection. Vaccination against smallpox is recommended for individuals at risk or in close proximity to infected individuals or animals. However, the vaccine is only effective when administered within 14 days of infection. Individuals experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, either in person or through telemedicine services such as the “Doctor Bangkok” application.
The Bangkok Medical Office health hotline (1646) is available 24 hours a day for further information or assistance regarding monkeypox.]
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