Monkeypox morphs: Thailand reports 535 ‘mpox’ cases in a year

A whopping 535 mpox cases (formerly monkeypox) have been reported across Thailand between May last year and October this year, according to the figures released by the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Dr Taweechai Wisanuyothin, the director of the Nakhon Ratchasima-based Region 9 Disease Control Office, disclosed the above data.

A total of 481 reported cases were Thai citizens, 50 individuals were of foreign origin, and four cases where the nationality was not disclosed. One casualty has been reported within the total cases.

Bangkok recorded the highest number of cases, with a tally of 313, followed by Chon Buri with 57 cases, Nonthaburi with 30, and Phuket reporting 26 cases.

The age group majorly affected is males between 30 to 39 years old, followed by the 20 to 29 and 40 to 49 age groups.

Dr Taweechai further informed that his office, which oversees four provinces, has recorded six monkeypox cases: two each in Nakhon Ratchasima and Buriram, and one case each in Chaiyaphum and Surin.

The primary mode of transmission for most cases has been identified as sexual interaction with strangers with undisclosed health records or individuals with multiple sleeping partners.

Initially, the disease primarily affected males from the working group. However, from August this year, an additional 16 cases were reported, indicating a shift in the demographic affected by the disease. The disease is now spreading to younger individuals, added Dr Taweechai.

In related news, there was a mpox outbreak last month where the total amounted to 316 cases. Sexually active males who engage in sexual intercourse with the same sex are the predominant sufferers of the disease. The youngest was a 16 year old schoolboy with multiple sexual partners. Read more about this story HERE.

In another similar news, Bang Lamung district also addressed the mpox endemic where a conference was held by the District’s Public Health Officer and other government officials. The majority of victims had also been men. Read more about this story HERE.

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