Thailand confirms first known case of deadly Mpox strain in Asia

Thailand confirmed the first case of the new, more deadly Mpox strain in Asia after a European male patient who arrived in Bangkok from Africa tested positive for the mutated Clade Ib variant.

The Southeast Asian country's health ministry said it would report the result to the World Health Organization and that close contacts of the patient would be closely monitored.

The confirmation came a week after the WHO declared Mpox a “health emergency” of international concern, citing its spread in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other parts of Africa. Last week, Sweden confirmed the first case of this Mpox strain outside Africa.

The mortality rate of the newer variant is about 4% in adults and 10% in children. Africa's top health agency said countries could begin vaccinating against the viral disease as early as next week.