Bangkok: The Ministry of Public Health is prepared to handle the ongoing influenza outbreak, advising high-risk groups to get vaccinated to lessen the disease's severity.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, conveyed the government's concern over the health impacts of the influenza outbreak occurring in multiple regions of Thailand. Data from 2025 shows a 1.6-fold increase in cases compared to the same timeframe in 2024. The Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, recorded 131,826 cases with 12 fatalities from January 1 to February 24, 2025. Children aged 5-9 years old are the most affected, followed by those aged 0-4 and 10-14.
The northern region experiences the highest infection rate per 100,000 people (258.44), with the central, northeastern, and southern regions following. Phayao leads the provinces with an infection rate of 638.55 per 100,000 population, followed by Lamphun, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and others.
Ms. Sasikarn emphasized the importance of personal hygiene and advised those with flu symptoms to remain at home to prevent spreading the virus. She advised individuals to consult a doctor if symptoms such as shortness of breath or lethargy worsen and recommended vaccination for those at risk. For further assistance, the public can contact the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.