Ministry of Public Health, 21 Sep. – The Department of Disease Control reveals the situation of the smallpox outbreak in Thailand at this time, with continued cases of infected people still found. More than half of them are HIV-infected, with the majority being MSM. Have a history of having more than one sexual partner Emphasize that this disease can only be prevented by reducing the risk of infection. Have safe sex and abstain from having sex with people you don’t know
Dr. Tharet Krasanairawiwong Director-General of the Department of Disease Control said that the latest situation of smallpox in Thailand (information as of 1 January – 18 September 2023) has reported a total of 385 patients, including 1 death, who were immunocompromised patients. And this week, more patients were found than last week, 42 cases, 41 males, 1 female, divided into 38 Thai nationalities, 90.5 percent, 2 Myanmar, 1 Chinese, 1 Italian. New patients found There were 29 people infected with HIV, 69.0 percent of all new patients. And most of them were men who love men, 33 cases were bisexual, 3 cases were men who loved women, 3 cases were not specified, and 17 new patients, or 40.5 percent, had a history of risky sex with someone they didn’t know.
Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn Deputy Director General of the Department of Disease Control Added that It is recommended for those who have a history of close contact. or having sex with a patient suspected of smallpox, including: 1. having sex with a patient 2. Clean the room or share the bathroom with the patient while the patient has symptoms. 3. Be a caregiver to suspected or smallpox patients while they are sick. 4. Talk to sick people within 1 meter without wearing a mask in a closed place and 5. Sit close to a suspected patient or smallpox patient. Got coughed on and sneezed on without wearing a mask If there is such a history Observe yourself for symptoms after coming into contact with a patient within 21 days if you have a fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, enlarged lymph nodes behind the ears, neck, groin, or have a sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, rash, blisters, or pus in the genital area. anus or surrounding area, including rashes, blisters, pustules on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth area, or genitals and around the anus, etc., hurry and see a doctor quickly. to receive diagnosis and treatment along with isolating yourself from family members, residences, or workplaces
We would like to emphasize that smallpox can be prevented. By refraining from having sex with people you don’t know. Do not have skin-to-skin contact with people who have rashes, blisters or pus. It is recommended that you wash your hands often and do not share personal items with others. and request public health departments in all provinces to jointly monitor and follow up on at-risk groups along with communicating methods to prevent the spread of infection If people have questions or need advice on how to behave, they can ask for information at the Department of Disease Control hotline, call 1422. – Thai News Agency
Source: Thai News Agency