Thailand reports first suspected case of dangerous Mpox strain in European traveler

Thailand has identified what is believed to be its first case of a new, more dangerous strain of mpox in a 66-year-old European traveler, The Independent reported.

The man, who arrived from an unspecified African country on August 14, is suspected to be infected with the Clade 1 variant, which is known to be more lethal and contagious.

This variant recently prompted a warning from global health authorities. Thai officials are currently monitoring 43 individuals who may have had contact with the patient.

Previously, Thailand had reported 800 cases of the Clade 2 variant but had not detected any cases of Clade 1 or Clade 1b.