The Department of Disease Control is monitoring the outbreak of “smallpox” in children in central Africa. The total number of infections increases

The Department of Disease Control is monitoring the situation. “Greatness” Rates of infectious diseases have increased since children were diagnosed in Central Africa. Thailand is ready to monitor the spread of both strains.

On August 15, 2024, it was reported that the Department of Disease Control was closely monitoring the smallpox situation. Smallpox is divided into 2 types after finding high rates of infection among children in Central African countries: Species (Section 1) The outbreak was identified in Central Africa. And mainly East Africa has high morbidity and mortality rates. The patient situation in Africa in 2022-2024 accumulated 14,250 patients and 456 deaths, while Thailand did not detect this strain.

Species that have become widespread in Thailand in the last 1-2 years worldwide: Species (Section 2) Most transmission occurs through intimate sexual contact. And for the situation in Thailand from January 2024 – 10 August 2024, there were 140 cumulative cases, 3 deaths and 827 cumulative cases in 2022-2024.

Thailand monitors both types of smallpox and continues to monitor outbreaks in Central African countries.

Recommendations to prevent smallpox include:

1. Avoid sex with strangers.

2. Do not share personal items like clothes, towels and bedding with patients.

3. Avoid close contact with people suspected of having smallpox rashes.

4. Do not mix or touch the bumps, pus or wounds of infected animals. or eat the remains of wild animals and cooked meat and avoid visiting places where there is a risk of smallpox

It is for people returning from epidemic areas. If you have a rash, blisters, or blisters on your hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or other parts of your body along with a fever, be alert and watch for your early symptoms. Enlarged lymph nodes behind the ears, neck and groin and get checked out at the hospital right away. Ready to ensure that there is a ready care system for smallpox across the country.

Plus, since it's Mother's Day. We want to emphasize preventing mother-to-child transmission among the 3 diseases new mothers need to know about. Protect your children from HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B. Currently, mother-to-child transmission of HIV is 1.72 percent in 2023 (target).

In 2023, syphilis among pregnant women increased 5-fold from 2018, and in 2022, congenital syphilis increased 3-fold from 2018, from 40.0 to 131.8 cases per 100,000 births and 010 live births. Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B is 0.93 percent in 2022 (target ≤ 2 percent).

In all 3 diseases, pregnant women are affected. You can pass syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B to your child if left untreated:

1. Prescribe antenatal care as soon as possible. Before 12 weeks of pregnancy, check for infection with syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B.

2. Invite the couple to come for screening to check if they are infected with all 3 diseases.

3. It is recommended that couples wear condoms at all times if having sex during pregnancy. The affected mother should seek treatment as soon as possible. And follow the doctor's advice to prevent the spread of infection to your children.

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