Thailand Reports 2 New Variant Mpox Cases; Authorities Step Up Monitoring
Following Taiwan's CDC announcement of the first imported case of a variant Mpox (subclade Ib) from Thailand, Thai media reported that two new cases of the same type emerged locally from late April to early May, prompting authorities to enhance monitoring. Thailand's cumulative Mpox cases have reached 1,074 with 16 deaths. Globally, there are 18 recorded cases of this new variant with no fatalities. The Taiwan CDC reminds the public that vaccination is the most effective prevention method.
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- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 19:32
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 20:01 (29 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 19, 2026 at 20:05 (3 min after Collected)
(CNA reporter Lee Tsung-hsien, Bangkok, 19th, Special Dispatch) Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced two new cases of Mpox (formerly monkeypox) today, including one imported case from Thailand. Genetic sequencing confirmed it as an infection with Clade I, subclade Ib, the first time this new "variant Mpox" has been seen in Taiwan. Thai media reported today that two new cases of variant Mpox were recorded in Thailand from April 26 to May 9, and monitoring is currently being intensified. The Nation of Thailand reported today that Montien Kanasawat, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, stated that monitoring for the Ib type of the Mpox virus is being strengthened, mainly due to the two new related cases in Thailand. The Thai Department of Disease Control indicated that the first case was a Thai man who began showing symptoms on April 22 and had a risk history of sexual contact with a stranger. The other case was also a Thai man who had prolonged close skin contact with others in a crowded tourist area during a festival. The report states that Thailand has accumulated 1,074 confirmed cases of Mpox, with 16 deaths. Additionally, the transmission range of the Ib subclade Mpox virus shows signs of expanding, with a total of 18 Ib subclade Mpox cases recorded to date, with no deaths. The Nation also noted that the Thai Department of Disease Control received an international notification about a foreign tourist diagnosed with Mpox who had traveled to Thailand. Their risk history included sexual contact with a stranger in a tourist area, with the patient aged between 25 and 40. Taiwan's CDC reminds that the incubation period for Mpox can be up to 21 days, and some individuals can transmit the virus to others 1 to 4 days before symptoms appear. Receiving the Mpox vaccine is currently the most effective preventive measure, capable of protecting against both Clade I and Clade II virus strains.