Thailand has reported its third monkeypox, said the Department of Disease Control’s director-general Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong.
The country’s latest case was found in Phuket and is a 25-year-old German man who arrived on the tourist island on July 18.
The man is believed to have caught the disease in another country, as the incubation period for monkeypox is 21 days, Dr. Opas revealed. Authorities have launched an investigation to track down people who had been in close contact with him.
According to Dr. Opas, the man exhibited the common symptoms of the disease, including fever, blisters, and a rash that spread from the groin area to other parts of his body. All are signs related to the virus, according to information from the World Health Organization, especially blisters and rashes, which appear in 98% of those infected.
On Wednesday afternoon, Phuket public health chief Kusak Kukiatikoon addressed the public to give more details about the situation. The official confirmed that the positive case was a German tourist who had arrived in Phuket with his Thai wife two weeks ago.
The man was neither bisexual nor homosexual, Dr. Kusak stated. According to international reports, a notable fraction of cases had been found among the LGBTQ+ community.
Phuket public health chief said the patient stayed with his wife’s family in the Muang district after arriving on the island. The couple went sightseeing in the popular spot but did not visit entertainment venues.
However, he started developing symptoms on July 23 and 24. That week, he had a fever, rash, and blisters.
Seven days later, the rash and blisters spread from his genital area to his arms, hands, and other body parts.
The German national went to the hospital on August 2 and underwent a blood test. Since then, he has received treatment.
Preliminary investigation showed that the man had had close contact with seven people, including his wife and family members. However, none have shown symptoms and remain in home isolation.
The Phuket public health office expects to give more details about the third case in the coming days, Dr. Opas said.
Meanwhile, the Thai government has ordered the monkeypox vaccine from abroad, hoping to vaccinate medical staff and those who have been in contact with patients up to 14 days earlier.
Authorities have also urged people to undergo a medical examination within 24 hours if they suspect they may have been infected.
