Thailand’s health ministry announced the detection of a new offshoot of the mpox virus, Clade Ib, in a European male patient who arrived in Bangkok last week from Africa. In response to the positive test, officials have identified 43 individuals who had close contact with the patient and have placed them under strict surveillance to prevent further spread.
This development comes amid a broader global concern, as the World Health Organization recently recognized an escalating mpox outbreak by naming it a global public health emergency. Cases have been reported across a growing number of countries since the initial assessment, with the new Clade Ib first observed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2023. Researchers are currently studying the characteristics of this strain, which poses additional challenges in detection due to its tendency to affect the genital area rather than the usual sites like the hands or chest.
Africa is experiencing a significant mpox outbreak, with cases reported in 14 countries, totaling around 14,000 infections and 524 deaths. In the region, Clade Ib is noted for its higher virulence, exhibiting a mortality rate of 3.6 percent and posing greater risks to children. Additionally, Pakistan has reported a few cases, highlighting the cross-continental impact of the current outbreak.
During the first half of 2024, the African Region witnessed 1,854 confirmed cases of mpox, which accounted for 36 percent of the global count, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo being the most affected. The ongoing surge in cases in the DRC has been linked to outbreaks involving two sub-clades of the Clade I mpox virus, Clade Ia and Clade Ib, with historical data indicating a high mortality rate in earlier studies, particularly among children.
Mpox typically begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue, progressing to the development of pus-filled lesions that can persist between two to four weeks. The virus can spread through direct contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials. Preventative measures include minimizing close contact with unfamiliar individuals, especially if they exhibit rash symptoms, regular hand washing, and avoiding the sharing of personal items.
Although there is no specific treatment approved solely for mpox, many individuals with a healthy immune system recover using supportive care and pain management. In severe cases, healthcare providers may resort to antiviral treatments such as cidofovir or tecovirimat, drugs that have been used for other viral infections like smallpox, while ongoing studies continue to assess their efficacy for mpox treatment.