Thailand has become the first country in Asia to identify a new mutated strain of the mpox virus as the pathogen expands its reach, following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a new global health emergency regarding the outbreak in Africa.
The patient who tested positive for the clade Ib strain is a 66-year-old European male who arrived in Bangkok last week from Africa, as reported by the Department of Disease Control (DDC) of the Public Health Ministry. Authorities have tracked down 43 close contacts of the patient and placed them under monitoring. These individuals will be observed for any symptoms over the next 21 days and must visit a hospital if they experience fever, rashes, or swollen lymph nodes, according to a statement from the ministry on Friday.
The patient, who exhibited symptoms related to mpox, was hospitalized on August 15, one day after his arrival in Bangkok. Laboratory tests conducted on Thursday confirmed the virus variant as clade Ib, and Thailand plans to report these findings to the WHO.
In response to this development, tourism-dependent Thailand announced that it would enhance surveillance and screening protocols at all international entry points, including Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province. Travellers arriving from 42 countries currently experiencing mpox outbreaks will be required to register on the health ministry’s online application prior to their departure for Thailand and will undergo health screenings upon arrival in accordance with global guidelines.
The new strain has circulated in several African countries and has reportedly claimed more than 500 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with children and adolescents being the most affected demographic; over 60% of the known fatalities are among those under the age of 5.
In contrast to an earlier, milder strain that emerged in 2022 and primarily affected men who have sex with men, this current variant, which causes fluid-filled lesions, is spreading through various forms of sexual activity and other close physical interactions.
Asian countries, including China, India, and Pakistan—many with high population densities—have recently ramped up surveillance efforts. Travellers arriving from affected countries are being asked to self-report any symptoms, and hospitals are on alert for potential cases.
Thailand has stated that it will quarantine anyone displaying symptoms of mpox, with visitors from outbreak regions subjected to temperature checks, rash examinations, and inquiries about their travel history. The government is also preparing a 60-room quarantine facility to isolate patients in case of a widespread outbreak, according to the Ministry of Public Health.
Since 2022, Thailand has reported around 800 cases of the mpox clade II variant and is eager to contain the virus as the busy tourist season approaches, with millions of holidaymakers expected to visit the country.
Tourism is a crucial sector for Thailand, accounting for roughly 20% of jobs and making up about 12% of the nation’s US$500 billion economy. As of August 18 this year, foreign arrivals have surged by approximately 33% to over 22.5 million compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
