First Confirmed Case of New Mpox Variant Clade 1b in Asia
A European traveler who recently visited Thailand has been confirmed as the first case of the new, more lethal Mpox variant in Asia. Thailand's Department of Disease Control has confirmed that the traveler was infected with the Clade 1B strain of the Mpox virus.
This Clade 1B strain is the first confirmed case in Asia and the second confirmed case outside of Africa. The Thai government conducted laboratory tests on the 66-year-old traveler and traced 43 individuals who had come into contact with them.
Based on these checks, none of the 43 individuals who had direct contact with the traveler showed symptoms indicative of Mpox transmission. However, the Thai government will continue to monitor all 43 individuals thoroughly and regularly for the next 21 days.
The patient, infected with the Clade 1B strain of Mpox, reportedly showed symptoms one day after landing in Bangkok following a trip from Africa and subsequently sought medical attention.
Read also: WHO Raises Alarm: Mpox Now a Global Public Health Emergency
Global Impact and WHO's Response
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to a new variant of Mpox spreading across 13 African countries.
In the External Situation Report 35, published by the WHO on August 12, 2024, it was stated that from January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, a total of 99,176 laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox were reported, with 208 deaths across 116 countries/areas/territories.
Since last September, the Mpox virus has undergone significant mutation, leading to the emergence of the Clade 1B variant, which experts are now labeling as the most dangerous and transmissible version of the virus.
This variant has shown an enhanced ability to spread more rapidly and efficiently than previous strains, raising global health concerns.
Read also: Southeast Asia Among Affected Regions by Mpox Spreading
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has mandated that anyone traveling from 42 high-risk countries must register and undergo testing upon arrival in Thailand as a preventive measure to control the spread of Mpox at the country's entry points.
The Clade 1B variant has not only been detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) but has also spread to neighboring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, further exacerbating concerns about its potential impact.
Additionally, Europe has reported cases of the Clade 1B Mpox variant, with Sweden being the first country outside Africa to confirm such a case last week. Following Sweden, Thailand has also confirmed its first case in Asia, becoming the second country outside Africa to do so.
Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, Head of Thailand’s Department of Disease Control, stated that the Mpox virus has a much lower transmission rate compared to the COVID-19 virus, as it requires very close bodily contact for transmission.
Despite being a generally mild disease, Mpox has become a significant concern for governments worldwide. If not managed properly and swiftly, it can pose severe health risks and potentially lead to death.
