Thailand Reassures Public: Mpox Not Easily Transmitted, Early Detection Key to Mild Outcomes

Thailand’s Department of Medical Services (DMS) has urged the public and international visitors not to panic over Mpox (monkeypox), emphasizing that the virus is not easily transmitted and that most cases are mild when detected early.

On February 15, 2026, Dr. Nattapong Wongwiwat, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, under the Ministry of Public Health, confirmed that the Department of Disease Control had reported one Mpox-related death involving a 44-year-old male inmate with multiple underlying health conditions, including HIV infection, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. The patient had not received continuous treatment, resulting in severe immunodeficiency, which contributed to the severity of the illness.

Health authorities immediately implemented disease prevention and control measures in coordination with the Department of Corrections and related agencies. Officials reiterated that Mpox does not spread easily and that surveillance systems remain robust and responsive.

 

How Mpox Spreads

Mpox is a viral infectious disease that can spread from animals to humans and from person to person through close physical contact, exposure to bodily fluids, or direct contact with lesions or pustules of an infected individual.

Transmission typically requires close contact. Patients may be contagious from the onset of fever, but the rash phase—when pustules appear—is generally the most infectious stage.

 

Symptoms and Clinical Course

The incubation period ranges from 5 to 21 days, most commonly 10–14 days. Initial symptoms include:

     ๐ Fever

     ๐ Headache 

     ๐ Muscle aches

     ๐ Swollen lymph nodes

A rash usually follows, progressing through several stages:

   1. Raised red spots

   2. Clear fluid-filled blisters

   3. Pustules 

   4. Scab formation

Lesions commonly appear on the face, palms, and soles, but may also occur in the mouth and genital areas.

Most patients recover within 2–4 weeks without specific antiviral treatment. However, children and immunocompromised individuals may experience more severe complications.

 

High-Risk Groups

Individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. High-risk groups include:

     ๐ People living with HIV with low immunity

     ๐ Patients with blood cancers or other malignancies

     ๐ Organ transplant recipients

     ๐ Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy

     ๐ Bone marrow transplant recipients

     ๐ Individuals with autoimmune diseases

     ๐ Children under 8 years old

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

Mpox is diagnosed using Real-time PCR testing from samples collected from skin lesions, throat swabs, or blood.

There is currently no widely available specific antiviral treatment for mild cases. Most patients receive supportive care, such as fever reducers and proper skin hygiene. Hospitalization may be considered for severe cases or immunocompromised patients at the discretion of physicians. Experimental antiviral treatments under World Health Organization research protocols may be considered by specialists when appropriate.

 

Prevention Recommendations for Residents and Medical Travelers

The Department of Medical Services advises the following preventive measures:

     ๐ Avoid close contact with infected individuals

     ๐ Avoid contact with sick animals, particularly monkeys and rodents

     ๐ Wash hands frequently with soap or alcohol-based sanitizer

     ๐ Avoid contact with bodily fluids, wounds, or lesions

     ๐ Wear a mask when visiting outbreak-prone areas

     ๐ Seek medical attention and self-isolate if unusual pustular rashes develop after fever

     ๐ Mpox vaccination is available for individuals aged 18 and older at the Thai Red Cross Society.

 

Updated National Guidelines

The Department of Medical Services has collaborated with dermatology experts, pediatric and adult infectious disease specialists, the Royal Colleges, the Department of Disease Control, and the Department of Medical Sciences to publish updated national clinical guidelines on Mpox diagnosis, treatment, and infection prevention (Second Revised Edition, November 9, 2023). Authorities are currently reviewing and updating these guidelines to ensure they reflect the latest evidence.

Thailand’s health authorities reaffirm that while vigilance is essential, Mpox is not highly contagious. With appropriate hygiene practices and early medical consultation, the risk of transmission remains manageable providing reassurance for both local residents and international visitors seeking medical and wellness services in Thailand.

 

 

 

Source: 

Thai Health Promotion Foundation

ArokaGO Health Library Symptoms Monkeypox