Osmond Chihazirim Nzerem, a Nigerian regarded as the first person to be diagnosed with monkeypox in Thailand, has been arrested in Cambodia after escaping treatment on July 22.

According to Khmer Times, a newspaper in Cambodia, 27-year-old Nzerem was arrested in Phnom Penh, the country’s capital, on July 23 and handed over to ministry of health officials for further action.

It was reported that Nzerem, who had overstayed his visa in Thailand, was first diagnosed with the disease in Phuket, a Thai resort city on July 18.

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While staying in the city, the Nigerian was said to have come in contact with at least 142 people, all of whom have been traced and are now being tested for the disease. He also confessed to having unprotected sex with a woman.

After learning of his test result, Nzorom was alleged to have switched off his phone, fled Thailand and refused to respond to messages sent to him by Thai health officials and the police.

His action led to a nationwide manhunt and eventually, the police tracked him to Cambodia through his phone.

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The development has compelled the government of Cambodia to begin contact tracing, deeming Nzorom its first case as well.

According to the World Health organisation (WHO), monkeypox is not as contagious as coronavirus.

The United States Center for Disease Control and Preventaion says it has affected more than 16,800 people in 74 countries.