Thailand sees spike in monkeypox cases, especially among teenagers

The Department of Disease Control has expressed concern over a surge in monkeypox cases in Thailand, especially among young people, as 145 new cases, including a 16-year-old boy, were recorded in August alone.

DDC Director-General Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong cited monkeypox infection statistics yesterday (Sunday) for the past four months: 22 cases in May, 48 cases in June, 80 cases in July and 145 cases in August.

Of all the 316 cases recorded in Thailand up to August 31^st, 271 are gay men, accounting for 85.8% of all infections, 143 of whom also have HIV. 277 are Thais and 36 are foreigners with three cases of unspecified nationality. One fatality was recorded.

198 cases live in Bangkok, 22 in Chon Buri, 17 in Nonthaburi and 12 in Samut Prakan. 152 cases are in the 30-39 age group, 85 in the 20-29 age group and 28 in the 15-24 age group.

Only patients who develop serious symptoms…