Asia reports first case of new MPOX strain from Africa
Thailand has confirmed its first case of a new, more dangerous strain of MPOX in a patient who had recently traveled from Africa.
The patient, who arrived in Bangkok on August 14, was hospitalised after exhibiting symptoms. Tests confirmed the presence of the MPOX clade Ib variant.
The World Health Organization on the same August 14 had declared this new variant a global public health emergency and is urging vaccine manufacturers to ramp up production.
MPOX is transmitted from infected animals and spreads between humans through close physical contact, leading to symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and large skin lesions.
Writing Annabel Nwachukwu
