Thailand Confirms Asia’s First Case of New Deadlier Mpox Virus Strain: Symptoms, Transmission, and Treatment
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/23rd August 2024
Thailand has reported the first case of a new, more dangerous strain of the Mpox virus in Asia, raising concerns as the virus spreads beyond its origins in Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the Mpox outbreak in Africa a global public health emergency, prompting increased vigilance worldwide.
The infected individual, identified as a European male, arrived in Bangkok from Africa and tested positive for the Clade Ib strain of the Mpox virus. This variant, a recent mutation, has sparked concern due to its increased virulence. Thai health authorities have already traced 43 people who came into close contact with the patient, placing them under strict surveillance to monitor any potential spread.
Clade Ib, an offshoot of the Clade I virus, was first detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2023. Unlike earlier strains of Mpox, which typically caused lesions on the hands or chest, Clade Ib is more difficult to detect as it primarily targets the genital area. This change in symptomatology has made the virus harder to identify, potentially contributing to its rapid spread. Ongoing studies aim to better understand the properties of this new strain and develop strategies to combat it.
Currently, Africa is experiencing a severe outbreak of the Mpox virus, with 14 countries on the continent reporting a total of 14,000 cases and 524 deaths. The DRC has been particularly hard hit, accounting for a significant portion of these cases. In the first half of 2024 alone, the African region recorded 1,854 confirmed cases of Mpox, with the DRC reporting over 15,000 clinically compatible cases and more than 500 deaths—numbers that have already surpassed those observed in the previous year.
Mpox, a viral infection that can affect both humans and animals, typically begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. These initial symptoms are followed by the development of pus-filled lesions that can last for two to four weeks. The virus spreads through contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials. Preventative measures include avoiding sexual contact with unfamiliar individuals, steering clear of those with visible rashes or lesions, practicing good hand hygiene, and not sharing personal items.
The Mpox virus is categorized into two main clades: Clade I and Clade II. Clade I, which is endemic to Central Africa, includes the new Clade Ib variant. Clade II, previously known as the West African clade, is further divided into subclades IIa and IIb, with Clade IIb responsible for the 2022 multicountry outbreak.
While there is no specific treatment approved for Mpox infections, most individuals with intact immune systems can recover without medical intervention, relying on supportive care and pain management. However, those with severe symptoms or underlying conditions may require antiviral treatments like cidofovir or tecovirimat. These drugs, initially approved for other viral infections like smallpox, are being investigated for their effectiveness against Mpox.
As the new Clade Ib strain continues to spread, it is crucial to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended preventive measures. Thailand’s detection of this strain underscores the need for global cooperation in monitoring and responding to the evolving threat posed by the Mpox virus.
