Monkeypox outbreak: Surge in cases among Thai teenagers

The rapid spread of the Monkeypox outbreak in Thailand has escalated alarmingly in a single month with 145 new cases, taking the total tally to 316. The youngest patient is a 16 year old male student with a history of multiple sexual partners.

Dr Tharet Krasanairawiwong, Director of the Department of Disease Control, reported yesterday that the majority of the Monkeypox patients are men who have sexual intercourse with other men, accounting for 271 out of the total 316 cases, or 85.8%. Of these, 143 patients, or 45.3%, are infected with HIV. The majority of the patients are Thai nationals (277), while 36 are foreigners, and 3 have not disclosed their nationality.

Predominantly, 198 patients reside in Bangkok, followed by 22 in Chon Buri, 17 in Nonthaburi, and 12 in Samut Prakan. The majority of patients are aged between 30 and 39 years old (152 patients), followed…