Thailand’s first monkey pox related death reported

[Guest reader]

From Thai PBS World

Thailand has reported its first monkey pox related fatality, in a man who was also infected with HIV and syphilis, according to Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Disease Control Department.

He said today (Monday) that the 34-year old patient was admitted to a private hospital in Chon Buri province on July 3rd and was diagnosed with monkey pox a week later.

The patient subsequently developed a sore throat and was found to have a fungal infection, an opportunistic disease found in those with HIV. After 4 weeks of treatment, he was discharged from the hospital, but was later sent to Bamrasnaradura Institute of Infectious Diseases sufferingfrom fatigue and breathing difficulties.

In addition to rashes, doctors also found that he was suffering with lung and brain infections. Blood tests showed a high white blood cell count, an indicator of a serious immune reaction, and doctors administered antibiotics and monkey pox anti-viral medication. The man died last Friday, said Dr. Tares.

By August 8th, there had been a total of 189 monkey pox cases reported in Thailand in 161 Thais and 28 foreigners. Most are gay men, 82 of whom were also infected with HIV.

Dr. Sophon Iamsirithavorn, the deputy director-general of the Disease Control Department, attributed the increase inmonkey pox cases to high risk behaviour.

 

[Guest reader]

The gay community is being hit the hardest by monkeypox, according to the Department for Disease Control (DDC). From July last year to this April, all  reported cases involved foreigners, but most recent cases occurred within he Thai population, the Bangkok Post is reporting.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2633254/bangkok-the-worst-hit-by-monkeypox-virus-spread

 

 

[Guest reader]

From Thailand News Agency

BANGKOK, Sept 4 (TNA) – Bangkok is closely monitoring cases of Monkeypox as the number of infections continues to rise.

Deputy Bangkok governor Tavida Kamolvej revealed the current situation of Monkeypox in the city. In August, there was an increase in Monkeypox cases within the Bangkok metropolitan area compared to July and June. In August alone, there were approximately 80 reported cases. The data indicates that these cases are primarily concentrated in areas popular among tourists.

In Bangkok, there are various networks and groups actively addressing this issue, such as Swing Thailand and Rainbow Sky, working together to provide accurate information. Additionally, if any cases arise, the authorities are quick to respond by cleaning and ensuring clear communication to promote understanding.

The latest news has shown that the infected individuals are predominantly young, with many falling into the adolescent age group. While this trend is observed nationwide, the youngest confirmed case in Bangkok is 18 years old.

Bangkok also houses the BKK Pride Clinic, a diverse sexual health clinic located within the public health service centers, to address the healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community, she said. (TNA)