Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 24, 2026 56 minutes ago
Thailand Medical News: Clade Ib Emerges as the Dominant Mpox Strain in Thailand
Thailand's public health authorities are intensifying surveillance after the country recorded 139 cumulative Mpox cases and two deaths between January 1 and July 18, 2026, with the Clade Ib variant now becoming the dominant circulating strain. Officials from the Department of Disease Control (DDC) say infections have been detected throughout the year but have shown a noticeable upward trend since June, raising concerns about continued transmission among high-risk populations. This
Thailand Medical News report examines the latest epidemiological data, the changing viral landscape, and the measures being implemented to limit further spread.
Thailand reports rising Mpox infections as Clade Ib becomes the country's dominant circulating strain.
Most Patients Are Young Adult Men While HIV Remains a Major Risk Factor
Speaking on July 24, Dr. Montien Kanasawat, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, confirmed that Mpox remains under close national surveillance. According to data collected through the department's Disease and Health Event Surveillance Program (M-EBS), 135 of the 139 confirmed patients were men, while four were women. The average patient age was 36 years, with infections occurring in individuals between 18 and 75 years old.
Thai nationals represented the overwhelming majority of infections, accounting for 123 cases or 88.49 percent. The remaining cases included nine Myanmar nationals and seven individuals of other nationalities. Confirmed infections have been reported across Bangkok, neighboring metropolitan areas, major provincial cities, and popular tourist destinations, demonstrating that transmission is geographically widespread rather than confined to a single location.
Health officials noted that 76 patients, representing 54.68 percent of all reported infections, were people living with HIV. Both fatalities recorded this year also occurred in individuals living with HIV, reinforcing concerns that immunocompromised patients remain at greater risk of severe disease.
Clade Ib Now Accounts for Most New Infections
One of the most significant findings is the rapid rise of the Clade Ib variant. Of the 139 confirmed infections this year, 88 have been identified as Clade Ib, making it more prevalent than the previously dominant Clade II strain.
Officials said Clade Ib infections have increased substantially since late May. Despite its expanding presence, no deaths have yet been linked directly to this variant in Thailand. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization continues to monitor Clade Ib closely because of its growing spread across multiple countries and its potential public health implications.
The Department of Disease Control emphasized that proactive surveillance, rapid case investigations, and monitoring of higher-risk groups will remain central to Thailand's containment strategy as the epidemiological pattern continues to evolve.
Close Physical and Sexual Contact Continues to Drive Transmission
According to health authorities, most infections continue to be associated with sexual activity and prolonged close physical contact within higher-risk groups. Mpox spreads through direct contact with infected skin lesions, rashes, bodily fluids, and contaminated materials.
Deputy Director-General Dr. Direk Khampaen warned that individuals with weakened immune systems—including people living with HIV, pregnant women, young children, cancer patients, and those with blood disorders—should exercise extra caution and avoid close contact with anyone displaying unexplained skin lesions or blister-like rashes.
The department advises avoiding intimate or sexual contact with unfamiliar partners, particularly when suspicious skin lesions are present, as this remains one of the most effective preventive measures.
Early Detection Isolation and Supportive Care Remain Critical
Most Mpox patients recover successfully with supportive medical care and home isolation. However, antiviral medications may be prescribed for individuals considered at elevated risk of severe disease.
Patients are advised to remain isolated for approximately 21 days or until every lesion has completely scabbed over, all scabs have detached naturally, and healthy skin has fully regenerated. Individuals who have experienced close or sexual contact with confirmed or suspected Mpox patients should carefully monitor their health for 21 days following exposure.
Officials urge anyone developing rashes, blisters, pustules, genital or anal sores, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough after potential exposure to seek immediate medical evaluation and disclose their exposure history to healthcare providers.
Public Health Officials Urge Vigilance Without Panic
Although Thailand continues to experience an increase in Mpox cases, officials stress that the overall situation remains manageable with early diagnosis, prompt treatment, responsible isolation, and public cooperation. The growing dominance of Clade Ib, together with the high proportion of infections among people living with HIV, underscores the importance of sustained surveillance, targeted prevention strategies, uninterrupted access to HIV care, and rapid clinical assessment of suspected cases. Continued public awareness and responsible behavior will remain essential for limiting transmission while protecting vulnerable populations from severe disease.
Reference:
https://ddc.moph.go.th/brc/news.php?news=59128&deptcode=brc
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Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/thailand-medical
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/monkeypox
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