Thailand Reports 139 Mpox Cases in 2026 as Clade Ib Infections Rise

Health authorities urge high-risk groups to monitor symptoms, avoid close contact with suspected cases and seek medical attention promptly following possible exposure.

BANGKOK — Thailand has recorded 139 Mpox cases and two deaths since the beginning of the year, as health authorities warn that infections have continued to rise since June and are now higher than during the same period last year.

According to Thailand’s Department of Disease Control, the cases were recorded between January 1 and July 18, 2026, through the country’s health event surveillance system.

Of the 139 patients, 135 were men and four were women. Their ages ranged from 18 to 75, with an average age of 36.

Thai nationals accounted for 123 cases, or 88.49% of the total. Nine patients were Myanmar nationals, while seven were from other countries.

Cases have been reported in Bangkok, surrounding provinces, major cities and tourism destinations across the country.

Although the overall situation remains under control, health officials said continued vigilance, early testing and prompt treatment are important to reduce transmission and prevent severe illness.

Of all reported cases this year, 88 were identified as infections involving the Clade Ib strain, making it more prevalent than Clade II among patients recorded in Thailand.

The country began reporting a noticeable increase in Clade Ib infections in late May. No deaths linked specifically to Clade Ib had been recorded at the time of the announcement.

Clade Ib remains under close surveillance by the World Health Organization as infections involving the strain continue to be reported in several countries.

Health authorities also found that 76 patients, representing 54.68% of all cases, were people living with HIV. Both deaths recorded this year involved patients who also had HIV.

Most infections were associated with sexual contact or close physical contact with individuals considered at risk.

Mpox can spread through direct contact with a patient’s rash, blisters, pustules, bodily fluids or contaminated personal items such as clothing and bedding.

People with weakened immune systems, including young children, pregnant women, people living with HIV and patients with cancer or blood disorders, may face a greater risk of severe illness and are advised to take additional precautions.

Common symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, nasal congestion, coughing and skin lesions that may appear as a rash, blisters or pus-filled bumps.

Lesions may develop on different parts of the body, including the hands, feet, face, chest, mouth, genitals or around the anus.

People who have had close physical or sexual contact with a suspected or confirmed patient should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.

Anyone who develops unusual skin lesions or other possible symptoms during this period should seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare workers about their exposure history.

Most patients can be treated according to their symptoms and may isolate at home until they recover. People at risk of developing severe illness may receive antiviral treatment based on a physician’s assessment.

Patients are generally advised to remain isolated for approximately 21 days, or until all lesions have formed scabs, the scabs have fallen off and the affected skin has healed.

The Department of Disease Control urged the public not to panic but to remain alert, avoid close contact with people showing unexplained skin symptoms and reduce behaviours that may increase the risk of infection.

People who suspect they may have been exposed to Mpox are advised to seek testing and treatment as soon as possible to reduce the risk of further transmission and serious complications.

Further information is available through Thailand’s Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.

 

Source : 

Thai Health Promotion Foundation

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