Health experts in Thailand have raised concerns about the spread of a new strain of mpox, warning of its potential to escalate into a global pandemic. The Clade 1b subvariant, spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is more aggressive than the previously detected Clade 2 strain in Thailand. This new subvariant can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, making it easier to spread than Clade 2, which primarily transmits through close physical contact.
Dr Yong Poovorawan, a clinical virologist, has highlighted that Clade 1b has affected both children and adults in Central Africa, with higher fatalities reported among children. Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has responded by implementing strict surveillance measures in hospitals, airports, and ports, particularly for passengers arriving from African countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern due to the increasing number of mpox cases across Africa. Globally, 14,520 cases of the Clade 1b subvariant have been reported, with 456 deaths recorded from 2022 to 2024. Thai health authorities are preparing for a possible outbreak by ensuring adequate laboratory and medical supplies.
