2023-08-14 08:50:00
Title: Smallpox Outbreak: First Death Reported in Thailand, with Majority of Patients HIV-Infected
Date: August 14, 2023
The Department of Disease Control has revealed alarming developments regarding the smallpox outbreak in Thailand, with an increasing number of cases and the first confirmed death. The situation has been further compounded by the discovery that almost half of the new patients are also HIV-infected. Health officials are urging the public to be aware of the symptoms and take necessary preventive measures.
Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, the Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, reported that the investigation into the death of a smallpox patient was initiated following a report from the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute. A team comprising the Division of Epidemiology, the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 6, Chonburi, and other relevant agencies was dispatched to Chonburi province to control and conduct a thorough investigation of the disease.
The deceased was identified as a 34-year-old male who had been experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, itching, rashes, and blisters on various parts of his body since July 3, 2023. He sought treatment at a private hospital in Chonburi on July 11, 2023. Doctors suspected smallpox and conducted tests to confirm the presence of the smallpox virus. Concurrently, the patient was also found to be HIV-infected and syphilis-positive.
Over time, the patient’s condition worsened, with the emergence of smallpox lesions all over his body. The patient developed a yeast infection in the throat, a common opportunistic infection in individuals with HIV. After four weeks of treatment, the patient was discharged but later experienced fatigue, difficulty breathing, and widespread tissue necrosis. Complications included pneumonia, encephalitis, and severe immunodeficiency. Despite receiving anti-smallpox drugs and antibiotics, the patient’s condition deteriorated, leading to his demise on August 11, 2023.
Dr. Taret emphasized that smallpox is an emerging infectious disease in Thailand. As of August 8, 2023, there have been a total of 189 reported cases, with 161 of those being Thai nationals and 28 foreigners. The epidemic has been spreading, starting with patients in the Bangkok metropolitan area before affecting other provinces. The majority of patients were men who have sex with men, with 82 of them (43%) being HIV-positive. Risky sexual behaviors with infected individuals were identified as the main risk factor for contracting smallpox.
Given the severity of this outbreak, the Department of Disease Control has urged individuals to be vigilant and familiarize themselves with the symptoms. Symptoms include the presence of rashes or blisters in the genital, anus, mouth, or any other part of the body, especially after close contact or sexual encounters with suspected smallpox patients. Those experiencing fever, headache, aches, swollen lymph nodes, or any other smallpox-related symptoms must immediately seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Sophon Iamsirithavorn, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, highlighted the concerning situation of smallpox cases among HIV-infected individuals. This group of patients, already immunocompromised, is at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms and experiencing complications. Globally, 152 smallpox-related deaths have been reported since May 2022.
To prevent the further spread of smallpox, health officials recommend abstaining from sex with strangers, avoiding direct contact with individuals displaying rashes, blisters, or pus, practicing frequent handwashing, and refraining from sharing personal belongings. The public is advised to stay informed and reach out to the Department of Disease Control hotline (1422) for any inquiries or guidance on preventive measures.
The Department of Disease Control, along with local health authorities, will continue monitoring the situation and implementing necessary measures to contain and combat the smallpox outbreak in Thailand.]
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