FILE - Dr Yong Poovorawan. Picture courtesy: MGR online
Thailand's foremost virologist, Dr Yong Poovorawan, has emphasised the critical need for vigilant monitoring of the latest 'Clade 1b' Mpox (monkeypox) variant. This call to action follows the variant's concerning spread across central and eastern Africa.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already classified the ongoing outbreak within these African regions as a public health emergency of international concern.
Originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this outbreak has resulted in at least 450 fatalities. The new variant's rapid progression and high mortality rate have scientists particularly alarmed.
Mpox is notorious for its ease of transmission, spreading through direct contact such as unprotected sex, skin-to-skin interaction, and airborne particles from close-range talking or breathing. Symptoms include flu-like signs and distinctive skin lesions. The disease is severe, with approximately 4% of cases being fatal.
Dr Yong, who leads the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Medicine, used his Facebook platform on Sunday to draw attention to the urgency of monitoring the 'Clade 1b' variant. He highlighted the necessity of preventive strategies, especially for children, given the prohibitively high cost of the current vaccine.
He further mentioned the importance of researching whether reducing the vaccine dosage could potentially retain its effectiveness, making it more viable for widespread use.
Anan Jongkaewwattana from the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology echoed Dr Yong's concerns. He clarified that the WHO's emergency declaration was due to the variant's rapid spread rather than its discovered severity.
With these points in mind, it's evident that Thailand must take proactive measures to track and manage the potential threat of this new Mpox variant, ensuring public health safety remains uncompromised.
-- 2024-08-20
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