Deadly clade 1b variant detected in six countries As Mpox reaches Thailand

Mpox (monkeypox) has now been reported in Thailand, with a case identified in a European man who arrived from Africa last week.

Authorities are awaiting test results to identify the specific strain, as announced on August 21, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared mpox a global public health emergency. Since this declaration, cases have emerged across various nations.

Mpox has two main strains: Clade 1b and Clade 2. The Clade 1b variant, known for its higher fatality rate, has caused over 500 deaths in Congo, Central Africa.

In the Philippines, officials reported a case involving the less severe Clade 2 variant. The 33-year-old patient has no recent travel history, suggesting possible local transmission. Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that Clade 2 is less alarming compared to Clade 1b and described it as an older variant.

The Philippines last reported an mpox case in December 2023. Although there was a global mpox outbreak in 2022, the new variant’s fatality rate of 3.5 per cent raises concerns. Its spread, including its tendency to affect genital areas rather than hands or chest, poses additional challenges for detection.

The more dangerous Clade 1b strain has also been detected in Pakistan, Sweden, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, with Pakistan reporting four cases.

In response to the situation, India is on high alert, implementing strict surveillance and monitoring measures. Indian airports and borders are under close watch to prevent the spread of mpox into the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi overseeing the preparations.