On August 29, 2024, Dr. Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn, the Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), assures that all close contacts and those at risk of contracting Mpox are under close surveillance. They are advised to monitor themselves for 21 days. If they have any symptoms such as fever, skin rashes (commonly appearing on face, limbs, genitals, and torso), cough, sneezing, or swollen lymph nodes, they must immediately notify the nearest public health officials. In addition, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), by the DDC, has been implementing strict measures at all international disease control checkpoints, particularly for flights arriving from Africa with approximately 300 passengers per day. Medical personnel are also ready to provide needed services. Regarding post-exposure vaccination, the World Health Organization recommends it for close contacts, such as family members. A meeting to discuss the guideline on this is scheduled for September 6, 2024.

The Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) also addresses concerns regarding the first case of Mpox Clade 1b in Thailand. The Ministry of Public Health, by the Department of Disease Control, confirms daily close monitoring of all close contacts and at-risk individuals. Since August 14, no additional persons have occurred. The infected person has been isolated and has been receiving treatment until he is no longer contagious or by the communicable disease control officer’s order. The DDC also emphasizes strict adherence to new emerging disease management standards to prevent infection among healthcare personnel and related staff when in close contact with the patient.

Dr. Thongchai further states that Mpox is still classified as a disease under surveillance. Therefore, close contacts and at-risk individuals are requested to strictly follow the Ministry’s advice for 21 days after exposure to an infected person including 1) Monitor symptoms daily for fever, skin rashes (commonly on the face, limbs, genitals, and torso), cough, sneezing, and swollen lymph nodes. If symptoms appear, notify the nearest public health official immediately, 2) Maintain personal hygiene by regular hands washing with soap or alcohol, especially after touching surfaces, 3) Avoid risky sexual behaviors that may lead to Mpox infection, 4) Do not share personal items such as eating utensils and clothing with others, and clean these items separately, and 5) Properly dispose potentially excretion contaminated waste and separate it from other general waste.

**************************

Source: Division of Epidemiology/ Bureau of Risk Communication and Health Behavior Development, Department of Disease Control (DDC)

August 29, 2024

---