Infectious Diseases Update
Recently, Thailand reported its first confirmed case of “clade 1B monkeypox,” involving a European resident who had traveled from an African country. While monkeypox can often clear up on its own, complications can sometimes be severe, even fatal.
To help you understand the situation, Ticy City spoke with Dr. Pongpakorn Sornthanarat, an anti-aging specialist from Arun Health Garden, for expert insights on the resurgence of this once-eradicated disease.
What Is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, is a viral disease that was once rare and mostly found in Central and West African countries. However, in the last two years, it has spread globally, leading to renewed concern from health experts.
Monkeypox is caused by the Mpox virus, which belongs to the same virus family as the one that causes smallpox. It spreads through close contact with an infected person’s skin lesions, bodily fluids, or during sexual contact. Transmission is possible from the onset of symptoms until the skin lesions scab over and heal.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
After an incubation period of 3 to 17 days (when no symptoms are present), people with monkeypox may develop a rash on the face, arms, legs, hands, feet, chest, or genitals. The rash often starts like pimples, turning into fluid-filled blisters before scabbing over. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, nasal congestion, coughing, and swollen lymph nodes.
While most people recover within 2 to 4 weeks, vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms or complications, including death.
How to Treat Monkeypox
Currently, there is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but the smallpox vaccine offers up to 85% protection. In Thailand, smallpox vaccinations were discontinued in 1980 after the World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated. People born after this date are more vulnerable to monkeypox.
To protect yourself from the virus, follow these steps:
- Isolate if you are infected.
- Avoid sharing personal items.
- Wear a mask during interactions.
- Cover lesions and avoid close physical contact with others.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap or hand sanitizer.
Why Is Monkeypox Coming Back?
In recent years, we’ve seen both new diseases, like COVID-19, and the return of diseases once thought to be gone, like monkeypox. One major factor is global warming. As climate change disrupts animal habitats and increases human-wildlife interactions, viruses that were once contained in animal populations have more opportunities to jump to humans.
Global warming is a long-term challenge, and with it, we may continue to face new disease outbreaks. But by taking care of your immune system, you can reduce your risk. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress effectively. Stay informed, but don’t panic—focus on protecting your health and the health of those around you.
A Strong Immune System Is Your Best Defense
The return of monkeypox highlights the close connection between human health, animal health, and the environment. With more extreme weather patterns and habitat destruction caused by climate change, we may see more frequent outbreaks. Strengthening your immune system is your best protection against these diseases, and addressing climate change at its root will protect future generations from similar threats.
By Dr. Pongpakorn Sornthanarat
Anti-Aging Specialist, Arun Health Garden
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