First Clade 1b Mpox Case Confirmed in Thailand

Thailand reported its first mpox case of the clade 1b strain. A 66-year-old European man, arriving from an African country, tested positive, raising global concern due to the strain's high transmission rate. No other local infections have been found, according to health officials.

Thailand has reported its first case of the mpox clade 1b strain, confirmed by health officials this week. The case involves a 66-year-old European man who recently traveled from an African country experiencing an outbreak of the disease.

Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, stated that the man likely contracted the infection in the endemic region. Thus far, contact tracing has revealed no additional local infections stemming from this case.

Authorities are on high alert due to clade 1b's ease of transmission and its potential global impact.

(With inputs from agencies.)