40-year-old man is the latest monkeypox patient

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand has reported a new case of monkeypox in a 40-year-old man who returned from overseas. Health authorities are now monitoring the symptoms of people in close contact with this patient.

The new patient, which is Thailand’s 11th confirmed case of monkeypox, reportedly developed symptoms of fever and rashes on his hips, hands, and arms on 8 October, when he was in Qatar.

Dr. Thares Krasanairawiwong, Acting Director General of the DDC, said the patient received an initial diagnosis as a probable monkeypox case at a hospital in Pathum Thani province after his arrival on 15 October.

The patient was then transferred to Bamrasnaradur Infectious Diseases Institute, where lab results confirmed a monkeypox infection.

Deputy Director General of the DDC Dr. Sopon Iamsirithaworn said this patient is currently the only active case in Thailand, as the previous 10 cases have already recovered from the disease. The DDC is closely monitoring the symptoms of 10 close contacts.

The DDC has asked hospitals across the country to ensure the preparedness of protocol for patients with suspicious symptoms, who should have their specimens collected for monkeypox tests and be isolated until a lab result returns.

People who develop suspicious symptoms of monkeypox are encouraged to visit a nearby hospital to get tested or call the department’s 1422 hotline for more information.

Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221018100557653