Thailand Confirms Asia's First Case of New, Deadlier Mpox Strain

• Thailand confirmed Asia's first known case of a new, deadlier strain of mpox in a 66-year-old European traveler from Africa.
• The patient, who arrived on Aug 14, was diagnosed with mpox Clade 1b, a strain declared a global public health emergency by the WHO.
• The infected individual is currently quarantined in a hospital, with the specific African country of origin not disclosed.
• Mpox cases and deaths are surging in Africa, with outbreaks reported in several countries including DR Congo, Burundi, and Kenya.
• The new Clade 1b strain, more deadly and transmissible, has a mortality rate of 3.6%, particularly affecting children.

Source: CNA