Thailand’s Disease Control Update: COVID-19, Influenza, RSV, Dengue Fever, and Monkeypox

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) provides an update on the current disease trends in the country.

COVID-19 Cases Decreasing

According to Dr. Weerawat Manosutthi, a highly qualified physician and government spokesperson, COVID-19 patients have decreased compared to the previous week. The trend has improved during the pandemic season.

Influenza on the Rise

Meanwhile, influenza diseases tend to increase, especially in very young children. However, most of the deaths were among the elderly. Adults with chronic diseases who do not receive the vaccine are recommended to get vaccinated before the epidemic season. Pregnant women can receive the vaccine throughout the year.

The vaccination campaign for risk groups has been successful, with 91.18% of the target group receiving the vaccine. The target group consists of 4,170,210 people, with 3,802,584 people accepted.

RSV Virus Precautions

As for pneumonia or RSV virus (RSV), it has been found in a lower percentage than last year. However, precautions are still necessary, especially for young children. It is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly, avoid sharing things with others, avoid crowded places, and eat warm and clean foods.

Dengue Fever on the Rise

The trend of dengue fever is increasing every week, especially in the northern and southern regions. Most of the patients are school-age children, but more deaths were found among the working-age groups due to congenital diseases, late hospital admissions, taking NSAIDs, obesity, alcohol addiction, and infection with Zika virus.

It is essential to prevent mosquito bites, and if you have fever and a rash, consult your doctor immediately.

Monkeypox Update

Dr. Weerawat also provided an update on the smallpox situation in Thailand from 2023 to 2024. There have been 835 patients, with 98% being male, and a total of 13 deaths, all of whom are HIV infected.

The epidemic strain is Clade2, which is less severe. The Immunization Subcommittee has approved the import of smallpox vaccine to Thailand to control the epidemic, focusing on risk areas based on epidemiological data. The target group is medical personnel at high risk of contracting the disease and those with a history of close contact with smallpox patients.