The Department of Disease Control is concerned about Thai youths being at risk of contracting smallpox after finding 16 additional cases in August. It is advised to refrain from having unsafe sex or with strangers. Prevent smallpox infection
The Department of Disease Control reveals that the smallpox outbreak situation in Thailand continues to increase. Starting to find patients in the youth group Most patients become infected through sexual contact with unknown strangers. or have more than 1 sexual partner. Recommended if you suspect a history of risk. Hurry to receive treatment and report risk information to medical and public health personnel. for diagnosis of disease Especially in groups of patients with low immune systems, such as those infected with HIV.
Today (3 September 2023) Dr. Tharet Krasanairawiwong Director-General of the Department of Disease Control said that the latest situation of smallpox in Thailand, as of August 31, 2023, has reported a total of 316 cases (1 death, being an immunocompromised patient), consisting of as many as men who have sex with men. 271 cases (85.8%) and 143 people infected with HIV (45.3%) were of Thai nationality, 277 were foreigners, 36 were not specified, 3 were mostly living in the areas of Bangkok (198 cases), Chonburi ( 22 cases), Nonthaburi (17 cases) and Samut Prakan (12 cases). Most patients were 30-39 years old, 152 cases, followed by 20-29 years old, 85 cases, youth group 15-24 years old, 28 cases, which the youth group There is a rapid increase in the risk of infection, the situation in the past 4 months. Continuously found outbreaks In May 2023, 22 cases were reported, June 48 cases, July 80 cases, and in August another 145 cases were reported, almost all of them Thai people. and get infected within the country Of these, there was a report of 1 death of a smallpox patient. He was an HIV infected person with severe symptoms and complications from an opportunistic infection.
Thailand has received support for Tecovirimat (trade name TPOXX) from the World Health Organization for emergency use. It is a drug that has the ability to kill viruses in the Poxvirus group. It is for use only in the treatment of confirmed patients with severe symptoms and admitted by doctors to hospitals.
Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn Deputy Director General of the Department of Disease Control Added that The first phase of smallpox transmission in Thailand The risk group is men of working age. But last August Starting to find as many as 16 more young people infected with smallpox, with reports from the disease control investigation team. Epidemiology Division Disease Prevention and Control Office 6, Chonburi Province In collaboration with the Chonburi Provincial Public Health Office and agencies in the area Investigation of smallpox confirmed monkeypox patient One person is a 16-year-old male student who became ill on August 6, 2023 and was admitted for inpatient treatment on August 14, 2023 with symptoms of clear blisters on his body. along with swollen and inflamed genitals Smallpox virus detected Risk history The patient has sex with many people. Follow up on symptoms of high-risk contacts. who are household contacts until 21 days have passed since the last day of contact with the patient No patients in the household have been found yet.
Therefore, we would like to remind youth and MSM to refrain from having unsafe sex, such as not having intimate skin-to-skin contact. Or hug and kiss someone you don't know. At this time, the situation of patients in Thailand is starting to spread from working age groups and teenagers to younger groups, including school age youth. Please realize that Youth must protect themselves with knowledge and understanding. To reduce the risk of contracting disease By observing the lesions, symptoms, and observing the skin on the body of the partner. that the rash is flat or raised, with clear fluid-filled blisters, pustules, and scabs It is often found on the genitals, around the anus, arms, legs or palms, soles of the feet, torso, and head. Before symptoms appear, there is usually a fever along with other symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and back pain.
If you suspect you are infected with smallpox See a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Along with separating yourself from family members, residences, or workplaces, do not eat or drink water from shared containers with others. Wear a mask all the time while sick and maintain cleanliness. Clean clothes, bedding, and utensils separately, use separate toilets, or clean with disinfectant detergents such as hypochlorite, soap, etc. You can ask for more information at the Department of Disease Control hotline, tel. 1422.
Source: Thai News Agency