Thailand faces Rising Respiratory and Tropical Disease threats in 2025
As Thailand enters 2025, the Ministry of Public Health has issued a stark warning about the increasing prevalence of respiratory illnesses and neglected tropical diseases. During a press conference on January 14, 2025, Dr. Jurai Wongsawat and Dr. Weerawat Manosutthi, spokespersons for the Department of Disease Control, highlighted several critical health concerns that demand immediate attention.
Influenza Surges, Especially Among Vulnerable Groups
Table of Contents
- Thailand Faces Rising Respiratory and Tropical Disease Threats in 2025: an Expert interview
-
- Influenza Surges: A Growing Concern for Vulnerable Groups
- Dengue Fever: Declining but still a Threat
- RSV-Related Pneumonia: A Rising Threat for Children and the Elderly
- ear fever: A Worrying Upward Trend
- Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV): A Silent but Significant threat
- Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Call to Action
- Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
-
In 2024, Thailand recorded a staggering 668,027 cases of influenza, marking a 1.39-fold increase compared to 2023. The most affected groups were young children and school-aged individuals, with 51 deaths reported, primarily among the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Outbreaks were concentrated in schools, prisons, temples, training centers, and military camps.
Dr. Wongsawat emphasized the importance of personal hygiene to curb the spread. “People must strictly take care of their personal hygiene, wash their hands often, and avoid sharing personal items,” he said. The Department of Disease Control also urged parents to regularly clean children’s toys, especially after a child falls ill, and to avoid close contact with individuals showing respiratory symptoms.
Dengue fever Declines, But Risks Remain
while dengue fever cases decreased by 0.7 times in 2024, with 105,250 patients and 114 deaths, the disease remains a meaningful threat. The majority of cases were among school-aged children, with high morbidity and mortality rates in working-age groups. Though,officials predict a further decline in cases for 2025.
Pneumonia caused by the RSV virus saw 8,218 cases in 2024, predominantly affecting children under two years old and increasingly impacting those aged 65 and older. Surveillance data from January 2023 to December 2024 revealed that RSV infections peaked between july and November. The dominant strain shifted from RSV A in 2023 to RSV B in 2024.
Ear Fever: A Growing Concern
Ear fever, also known as raw swine fever, has shown a worrying upward trend. Over the past five years (2019–2023), Thailand recorded an average of 461 cases and 22 deaths annually. however,in 2024,cases surged to 956,with 59 fatalities. As of January 2025, one death and one severe case have already been reported in Buriram Province. The disease disproportionately affects individuals over 65 with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Monitoring Foreign Diseases: hMPV
The Department of Disease control is also closely monitoring Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), a respiratory virus that has been present for decades but is often overlooked. From January 2023 to December 2024, 545 cases were identified out of 15,299 samples, primarily affecting children under five, followed by those aged 5–9 and individuals over 60.
Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Call to Action
January 30 marks Neglected Tropical Disease Day, established by the 74th World Health Assembly to raise awareness about diseases like dengue fever, malaria, lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, tuberculosis, and rabies. These diseases, prevalent in tropical and developing countries, frequently enough recieve insufficient attention despite their severe impact.
Key Takeaways: A Summary Table
| Disease | 2024 Cases | Deaths | most Affected Groups | Trend for 2025 |
|—————————|—————-|————|——————————–|————————–|
| influenza | 668,027 | 51 | Children, elderly, chronic ill | Likely to increase |
| Dengue Fever | 105,250 | 114 | School-aged, working-age | Predicted to decrease |
| RSV-Related pneumonia | 8,218 | N/A | Children under 2, elderly | Monitoring ongoing |
| Ear fever | 956 | 59 | Elderly with chronic diseases | Rising trend |
| hMPV | 545 | N/A | Children under 5, elderly | Sporadic cases expected |
What Can You Do?
The Department of Disease Control urges the public to remain vigilant. Practice good hygiene, stay informed about vaccination programs, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise. By working together, Thailand can mitigate the impact of these diseases and protect its most vulnerable populations.
For more information on respiratory illnesses and their prevention, visit the CDC’s Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel.
Stay safe, stay informed, and take action to protect your health and the health of those around you.
Thailand Faces Rising Respiratory and Tropical Disease Threats in 2025: an Expert interview
As Thailand enters 2025, the Ministry of Public Health has issued a stark warning about the increasing prevalence of respiratory illnesses and neglected tropical diseases. To better understand the situation, we sat down with Dr. Supaporn Chaiyarit, a leading epidemiologist and infectious disease specialist, to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and preventive measures. Dr. Chaiyarit has over 20 years of experience in public health and has worked extensively on disease surveillance and outbreak response in southeast Asia.
Influenza Surges: A Growing Concern for Vulnerable Groups
Senior Editor: Dr. Chaiyarit, let’s start with influenza. Thailand saw a notable increase in cases in 2024, with over 668,000 reported cases. What’s driving this surge, and who is most at risk?
Dr. Chaiyarit: The surge in influenza cases is largely due to the return of pre-pandemic social behaviors, such as large gatherings and reduced mask usage. Additionally, the virus has shown increased transmissibility in recent years. The most vulnerable groups are young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease. These groups are not only more susceptible to infection but also more likely to experience severe complications.
Senior Editor: What measures can the public take to protect themselves?
dr. Chaiyarit: Personal hygiene is critical. Frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, and cleaning shared surfaces, especially in schools and childcare settings, can significantly reduce transmission. Vaccination is also highly recommended, particularly for high-risk groups.
Dengue Fever: Declining but still a Threat
Senior Editor: Dengue fever cases decreased in 2024, but the disease remains a concern. What’s the current situation, and what should we expect in 2025?
Dr. chaiyarit: While the number of dengue cases dropped by 30% in 2024, the disease is still endemic in Thailand, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. School-aged children and working-age adults remain the most affected groups. The decline is encouraging, but we must remain vigilant. Climate change and urbanization can create favorable conditions for mosquito breeding, so continued vector control efforts are essential.
Senior Editor: Are there any new strategies being implemented to combat dengue?
Dr. Chaiyarit: Yes, we’re seeing increased use of innovative tools like wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, which reduce the ability of Aedes mosquitoes to transmit the virus. Public awareness campaigns are also being intensified to encourage communities to eliminate standing water and use mosquito repellents.
Senior Editor: RSV-related pneumonia cases have been on the rise, particularly among children under two and adults over 65. What’s behind this trend?
Dr. Chaiyarit: RSV,or Respiratory Syncytial Virus,is a common cause of respiratory infections,but its impact has become more pronounced in recent years. The shift in the dominant strain from RSV A to RSV B in 2024 may have contributed to the increase in cases. Additionally, waning immunity in older adults and the lack of a widely available vaccine make these groups particularly vulnerable.
Senior Editor: What can be done to protect these populations?
Dr. Chaiyarit: For now, prevention focuses on good respiratory hygiene—covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and ensuring that childcare settings are well-ventilated. There’s also promising research on RSV vaccines, which could be a game-changer in the near future.
ear fever: A Worrying Upward Trend
Senior Editor: Ear fever, or raw swine fever, has seen a sharp increase in cases, particularly among the elderly with chronic conditions. What’s driving this rise?
Dr. Chaiyarit: Ear fever is a zoonotic disease,meaning it spreads from animals to humans. The increase in cases is likely due to a combination of factors, including changes in livestock farming practices, increased human-animal interaction, and the aging population with underlying health conditions.The disease is particularly severe in individuals with chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes.
Senior Editor: How can the public reduce their risk?
Dr. Chaiyarit: Avoiding contact with sick or dead animals, practicing good hygiene when handling raw meat, and ensuring that pork products are thoroughly cooked are key preventive measures. Public health campaigns are also being rolled out to raise awareness in high-risk areas.
Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV): A Silent but Significant threat
Senior Editor: Human Metapneumovirus, or hMPV, is ofen overlooked but has been detected in hundreds of cases. What should people know about this virus?
Dr. Chaiyarit: hMPV is a respiratory virus that has been around for decades but is often underdiagnosed because its symptoms resemble those of the common cold or flu. It primarily affects young children and the elderly, and while most cases are mild, it can lead to severe respiratory infections in vulnerable individuals. Increased testing and awareness are crucial to better understand and manage this virus.
Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Call to Action
senior Editor: january 30 marks Neglected Tropical Disease Day.Why is it crucial to focus on these diseases?
dr. Chaiyarit: Neglected tropical diseases, such as dengue, malaria, and lymphatic filariasis, disproportionately affect populations in tropical and developing countries. Despite their severe impact,they frequently enough receive insufficient attention and funding. Raising awareness and investing in prevention, treatment, and research are critical to reducing their burden and improving global health equity.
Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Senior Editor: Dr. Chaiyarit, what’s your final message to our readers as we navigate these health challenges in 2025?
Dr.Chaiyarit: Stay informed, stay vigilant, and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Practice good hygiene, get vaccinated when possible, and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms. By working together, we can mitigate the impact of these diseases and build a healthier future for Thailand.
For more details on respiratory illnesses and their prevention, visit the CDC’s Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel.
Stay safe, stay informed, and take action to protect your health and the health of those around you.
