Department of Corrections Orders Strict Monitoring After Inmate Dies from Monkeypox

The Department of Corrections has ordered strict monitoring after an inmate died from monkeypox at Thonburi Special Prison, reporting no widespread outbreak. On February 15, 2024, Yuttana Nakruangsi, Deputy Director-General and spokesperson, disclosed that Thonburi Special Prison has coordinated with related agencies including the Prison Hospital, Ministry of Public Health, and Department of Disease Control to closely monitor and prevent infection since February 13. They have been continuously screening inmates for abnormal symptoms, with surveillance planned for 21 days. Initially, no inmates have shown monkeypox symptoms. However, on February 16, the Department of Corrections coordinated with the Disease Control Department to bring vaccines for high-risk inmates and staff close to the deceased. Yuttana further confirmed that all prisons are strictly following disease prevention protocols and emphasized that all correctional facilities remain safe with no monkeypox spread.