Thailand’s health crackdown: Screening mpox-treme measures

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is on high alert, ramping up passenger screening like never before to fend off a potential mpox outbreak. This drastic measure comes hot on the heels of the World Health Organisation (WHO) slapping a “public health emergency of international concern” label on the situation, following a surge of mpox cases in several African nations.

Dr Weerawat Manosuthi, the voice of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), reassured the public that Thailand is still holding steady.

“Rest assured, the situation here is under control.”

Mpox, deemed a serious threat under the Communicable Disease Act BE 2558 (2015), demands immediate notification to health authorities if detected. According to the latest figures from the DDC, Thailand has seen 827 cases and 11 fatalities from January 1, 2022, up to yesterday. And get this—men make up a whopping 97.46% of those affected, Dr Weerawat revealed.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Thailand’s mpox cases have dropped compared to last year, thanks to a vigorous public information campaign. Dr Weerawat highlighted the department’s careful and proactive approach to managing the crisis.

The primary mpox strain affecting African countries, known as “clade I,” is more dangerous than other strains. Thankfully, this strain has not been detected in Thailand, said Dr Weerawat.

“We have prepared necessary measures to prevent the disease infections, including at the borders and international airports. They must report to the public health authority if they have [mpox] symptoms.”

The department has distributed medical guidelines to all hospitals nationwide to ensure close monitoring and identification of any suspected clade I cases. Additionally, a specialised team has been assembled to investigate suspected cases, provide necessary medication, and conduct laboratory tests across the country.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, on August 14 highlighted the upsurge of mpox in DR Congo and other central African nations as a PHEIC.

“The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern [DR Congo], and the reporting of cases in several neighbouring countries are very worrying.

“On top of outbreaks of other mpox clades in DRC and other countries in Africa, it’s clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives.”