“Doctor Yong” emphasizes the importance of monitoring “monkeypox” in Thailand, stating that it is extremely necessary, while revealing that the “vaccine” is important for prevention, especially for vulnerable groups, but it is still very expensive.
On August 17, 2024, Prof. Dr. Yong Poovorawan, head of the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, posted a message regarding “monkeypox MPOX declared by the World Health Organization as a public health emergency of international concern.”
“Two years ago, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox as a public health emergency for the first time, prompting all countries to be alert and vigilant. That outbreak spread outside of Africa, primarily affecting males, especially men who have sex with men. The outbreak spread nearly worldwide, including in Thailand. The strain involved in the outbreak belonged to group 2 (Clade 2), specifically in Thailand, which was identified as 2b, and the disease was not severe with a very low mortality rate.”
In the year 2024, a major outbreak occurred in Africa, such as in Congo, Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda, with more than 15,000 cases, and fatalities reaching up to 3.4% (537 out of 15,600 cases). Deaths included children and those with compromised immune systems. Viral testing revealed that it was group 1 Clade 1b, different from previous outbreaks in countries outside Africa, raising concerns that this disease could spread worldwide.
Therefore, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox as a public health emergency for the second time after it was believed that the disease was under control. The mode of transmission is different from previous outbreaks outside Africa, and it is found in both males and females, with a higher severity in Congo where two-thirds of the patients are children under 15 years old, and over 80% of the fatalities are among children, indicating that the risk group is primarily in childhood.
Monitoring and testing the strains of monkeypox in Thailand is extremely necessary because if it is Clade 1b or a strain coming from Africa, it will be a concerning strain that must be monitored closely to prevent its spread. If such a strain (1b) is found, the vaccine will be important for prevention, especially for vulnerable groups like children. Currently, the vaccine is still very expensive, and reducing the dosage of the vaccine, such as administering it intradermally, may require urgent studies.”
Thank you, Facebook Yong Poovorawan
Monitoring the Future of Monkeypox in Thailand: Challenges and Innovations
The ongoing discourse surrounding the monkeypox outbreak in Thailand underscores the necessity of vigilant monitoring and the dynamic nature of viral diseases. With Professor Yong Poovorawan‘s recent statements highlighting the urgent need for surveillance, especially given the variant threats from Clade 1b, the health landscape in the region is poised for critical changes.
The situation is further complicated by recent developments in Africa, where cases have surged dramatically. With over 15,000 reported instances and a notable mortality rate of 3.4%, this resurgence emphasizes the potential risks of a broader outbreak. The demographic shift towards younger populations highlights the importance of understanding how such diseases can evolve and affect different age groups, underlining children as particularly vulnerable.
The role of vaccines in these developments cannot be overstated. While current vaccines are deemed crucial for protecting susceptible populations, including children, their high cost remains a significant barrier. Future trends may gravitate towards innovations that reduce vaccine costs or explore alternative methods of administration, such as intradermal delivery, which could maximize the use of existing doses.
As Thailand continues to monitor the epidemiological trends, the collaboration between governments, health organizations, and the medical community will be vital. Constant adaptation, proactive strategies, and public awareness campaigns will be essential in mitigating the risks posed by emerging strains of monkeypox and ensuring the health safety of the population.