Thailand battles flu season as cases soar and fever pitch rises
Thailand is facing a major influenza outbreak, with 107,570 cases recorded this year and nine deaths, the Public Health Ministry confirmed yesterday, February 18. Flu infections are surging at 15,000 new cases per week, a sharp rise from the 10,000 per week reported in early 2024.
Dr Jurai Wongsawat, spokesperson for the Department of Disease Control (DDC), stated that children aged five to nine are the most affected, followed by toddlers under four and children aged 10 to 14. The dominant strain is A/H1N1 (2009).
The nine reported fatalities ranged from 11 to 86 years old, all of whom had received flu vaccinations. The top 10 provinces with the highest infections include Phayao, Lamphun, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Bangkok, Nan, Ubon Ratchathani, and Nonthaburi.
Flu cases are rapidly spreading in schools, prisons, and military camps, with numbers rising annually, particularly since the relaxation of Covid-19 measures. Prolonged cold weather last year also contributed to the increase in respiratory illnesses.
“Statistics show that the flu is spreading rapidly among children. Schools should enforce strict measures to curb infections. If a child is diagnosed, they should stay home for at least three to five days.”
Dr Jurai urged the public to receive an annual flu vaccine, particularly young children, pregnant women, the elderly, obese individuals, and those with chronic illnesses, reported The Nation.
Health officials in Chaiyaphum are raising concerns as influenza type A cases surpass 1,000, with over 500 infections reported in the provincial male prison in Mueang district.
Dr Suppapong Chaimongkol, head of preventive medicine at the Chaiyaphum Public Health Office, noted that children and inmates are the most affected, prompting several schools to switch to online learning. While no deaths have been reported, officials remain on high alert due to the virus’s high transmissibility through coughs and sneezes.
Residents are urged to wear facemasks, maintain hand hygiene, and avoid crowded places. High-risk individuals should prioritise annual flu vaccinations.
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