The Department of Disease Control revealed the situation of smallpox monkeys. continuous increase Found the first death in Thailand on August 11, indicating that almost half of the new patients are HIV-infected, with advice on symptoms and prevention.
On August 14, 2023, Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong The Director-General of the Department of Disease Control said that he had received a report of the death of a smallpox or monkey pox patient from Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute. therefore sent a team to investigate and control the disease Division of Epidemiology And the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 6, Chonburi, went to investigate the disease together with the Chonburi Provincial Public Health Office. and related agencies in the area
Found a smallpox patient The first death in Thailand
It was found that the deceased was a 34-year-old male, with a history of fever, headache, itching, rashes and blisters on the skin in different parts of the body since July 3, 2023, receiving treatment at a private hospital in the province. Chonburi on July 11, 2023. The doctor suspected smallpox. Therefore, samples were sent to confirm the genetic material of the smallpox virus. At the same time, HIV infection (HIV) and syphilis were detected.
Later, the patient had a sore throat. Detect a yeast infection which is an opportunistic infection of HIV Smallpox lesions from smallpox spread all over the body on the skin. After receiving treatment for four weeks, the doctor allowed him to go home. Later, on August 9, the patient showed fatigue and difficulty breathing. A rash from smallpox was found spreading all over the body. and extensive tissue necrosis in the nose and throat Complications of infection in the arms and legs have pneumonia have encephalitis A CD4 count of 16 cells/mL indicates severe immunodeficiency. Doctors have given anti-smallpox drugs. and antibiotics together Later, the patient’s condition deteriorated and died on the night of August 11, 2023.
Dr. Taret further revealed that smallpox is an emerging infectious disease in Thailand. The latest situation, as of August 8, 2023, there are a total of 189 cases reported in Thailand, 161 of which are Thai nationals, 28 foreigners. There is an increasing trend of the epidemic. In the first phase, patients were found in the Bangkok metropolitan area before spreading to other provinces. Most of the patients were men who have sex with men. 82 (43%) were HIV-positive. The main risk factor was sex with an unknown stranger who was infected with smallpox.
smallpox symptoms
However, those at risk can check the initial symptoms by themselves as follows: If there is a rash / blisters in the genital area, anus, mouth or body and had a history of close contact, intimate contact, or having sex with suspected smallpox or smallpox patients Observe yourself within 21 days after touching the patient if you have symptoms such as fever, headache, aches, swollen lymph nodes, a rash, or blisters or pustules in the genital area, anus area, or the surrounding area on the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth area. to be examined at a health facility or hospital immediately by notifying symptoms and risk history for diagnosis
Nearly half of all new smallpox cases are HIV-infected
while Dr. Sophon Iamsirithavorn Deputy Director General Department of Disease Control added that The situation of the smallpox epidemic has increased. reflecting the continued risky behavior byNearly half of all new smallpox cases are HIV-infected. which this group of patients is already immunocompromised are often associated with other opportunistic infections causing severe symptoms until death Globally, 152 deaths of smallpox cases have been reported since May 2022 in Europe and other countries since the outbreak began. Patients with severe symptoms of smallpox may have complications. And the effectiveness of this drug must be measured simultaneously.
“Smallpox able to prevent by abstaining from sex with strangers Do not touch skin-to-skin with people with rashes, blisters or pus. It is recommended to wash your hands frequently. and do not share personal belongings with others Therefore, every province is asked to be vigilant, follow up at risk groups and communicate methods to prevent the spread of infection by refraining from having sex with strangers and not touching people with suspected smallpox symptoms. If people have any questions or need advice on how to act, they can ask for information at the Department of Disease Control hotline 1422.”
2023-08-14 06:50:00
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