BangkokPost-May 25
The Public Health Ministry has issued alerts instructing all international airports to step up their screening of arrivals, especially from 17 countries where monkeypox cases have now been confirmed, according to its deputy minister, Sathit Pitutecha. “Each airport has a disease control unit and officials will intensify measures against monkeypox by being more vigilant,” he said. Skin disease and sexually transmitted disease clinics will be asked to watch out for monkeypox as Mr Sathit urged the public to keep abreast of the situation from the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Dr Chakkarat Pitayawonganon, director of the DDC’s epidemiology division, said travellers from the UK, Spain and Portugal are being closely monitored for monkeypox. He said travellers from these countries who have visible symptoms such as rashes will be asked to take a test, adding that no tests have been conducted so far. The ministry has not declared monkeypox a dangerous communicable disease yet and no domestic cases have been reported. However, it will meet to assess the risk of infection, he said, adding the ministry has not considered a vaccination program.
Dr Supakij Sirilak, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences, said smallpox vaccines are known to be 85% effective against monkeypox and the department is well-equipped to test and approve such vaccines if needed. Read more at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2315246/airports-on-alert-for-monkeypox-symptoms
