The Public Health Ministry has reported the death from Mpox of a 44-year-old male prison inmate, who was also suffering multiple underlying illnesses and severe immune deficiency.
Montien Kanasawadse, director general of the Department of Disease Control, said yesterday evening that the man was HIV positive, had hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis and had not been receiving regular treatment.
Montien did not specify in which prison the inmate was being held. The Department of Corrections had said in a statement in yesterday morning, however, that an inmate at Thon Buri Special Prison is believed to be infected with Monkeypox.
That inmate was about to undergo surgery in a Corrections Department hospital when symptoms of the disease had been noticed by medical staff.
Montien said that inquiries found that the inmate entered prison on January 20 with an existing wound on his leg.
He later developed fever, a widespread rash and gangrene and was urgently transferred to the Correctional Hospital for treatment.
Despite intensive medical care, his condition deteriorated and he died on February 11.
Laboratory tests subsequently confirmed infection with Mpox clade II.
Montien said his department, working with the Department of Corrections and related agencies, immediately implemented disease control measures.
Close monitoring has also been extended to healthcare workers and staff involved in the patient’s care.
Deputy director general, Niti Hetanurak, said that Mpox is transmitted through close contact with rashes, lesions or bodily fluids, as well as through sharing personal items and close sexual contact.
Key symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches and the appearance of rashes or blisters. People with such symptoms are urged to seek medical attention promptly.
The public can contact the disease control hotline 1422 for further information.
