BANGKOK — Thailand recorded 470 mpox cases and three deaths between Jan 1 and Oct 31, prompting the Department of Disease Control to urge anyone with suspicious symptoms to seek medical attention without delay.
Department Director-General Montien Kanasawadse said on Nov 3 that early diagnosis, continued surveillance and prevention measures were essential to limiting further transmission. He advised people with unusual rashes, blisters or sores, especially after possible exposure, to consult a doctor and share their symptoms and contact history.
Mpox remains a communicable disease under surveillance in Thailand under the Communicable Diseases Act 2015 and the Health Ministry’s 2022 disease notification. Globally, 68,096 confirmed infections and 272 deaths were reported across 107 countries between Jan 1, 2025 and Aug 31, according to World Health Organization figures cited by Thai authorities.
Early symptoms can include fever, headache, back pain, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes, followed by skin rashes or lesions that may appear on the face, body, genitals or around the anus. The department said symptoms do not always follow the same pattern, and PCR testing is needed to confirm infection because mpox can resemble herpes, chickenpox or other skin conditions.
Most patients recover with supportive care focused on symptom relief, pain management and preventing secondary infections. However, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and young children face a higher risk of severe illness and need closer medical assessment.
To reduce transmission, authorities advised avoiding direct skin contact and sexual activity with people showing suspicious symptoms, not sharing clothing, towels or bedding, and isolating while awaiting test results. Patients recovering at home should keep lesions covered, practise hand hygiene, avoid travel and follow medical advice until all lesions have fully healed.