Two Prison Volunteers Contract Mpox After Inmate's Death

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control reports that two prison public health volunteers at Thon Buri Prison have tested positive for mpox following the death of an inmate from the disease. Both volunteers exhibit mild symptoms, and authorities assert that the outbreak is under control.

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The inmate, aged 44, passed away on February 11 and had multiple health conditions including HIV, which exacerbated his illness. Following this incident, 49 individuals were identified as at-risk, prompting immediate disease prevention and control measures, such as isolating potential cases and closely monitoring contacts.

Prisoner movement in high-risk zones was halted, and individuals in contact with the deceased are undergoing 21 days of temperature checks. Visits to the prison were also suspended. Environmental cleaning and infectious waste management protocols were implemented while mpox vaccines were offered to high-risk groups, including 19 inmates and prison staff.

The two volunteers, found infected after these measures, display a mild rash and are now receiving care at the Correctional Hospital. Officials emphasize ongoing collaboration to prevent the disease from spreading inside the prison and beyond its walls.

Mpox spreads via close contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash. Most cases are mild, resolving in two to four weeks with supportive care focusing on symptom relief.

Since the mpox outbreak started in 2022, Thailand has reported over 1,030 confirmed cases. Moving forward, the focus remains on stringent monitoring and prevention to contain the virus within vulnerable populations like prisons, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways

• Two prison volunteers at Thon Buri tested positive for mpox following an inmate's death.

• Control measures include isolation, monitoring, and vaccination of high-risk groups.

• Thailand reported over 1,030 mpox cases since the 2022 outbreak began.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 19 Feb 2026