Thailand has recorded its first case of monkeypox
However, it has caused a cross-border alert.
A Nigerian national was diagnosed with the virus in Phuket, but authorities say he fled to Cambodia.
According to police, Osmond Chihazirim Nzerem aged 27, left Phuket last week and crossed into Cambodia using a ‘natural exit ’by swimming across a canal beneath an official land border crossing.
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry issued a national health alert
“There is no need for people to panic as monkeypox virus does not spread rapidly like Covid,” Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said.
“Measures to lower risk from Covid can also be used [for monkeypox.”
Phuket officials said they have traced 19 people who came into close contact with the infected man.
Cambodia also issued new health protocols after Chihazirim Nzerem was found and arrested in Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.
The World Health Organization has just declared monkeypox a global health emergency
It has now been detected in 75 countries.
