Health Covid-19's XEC Variant Spreads Like Wildfire, Says Thai Health Ministry

[webfact]

File photo courtesy of Photo: Xinhua/VNA

 

The alarming spread of the XEC variant of Covid-19 has put Thailand's Public Health Ministry on high alert as the virus is reportedly spreading seven times faster than the common flu. A concerted effort led by Minister Somsak Thepsuthin aims to safeguard vulnerable groups, while also keeping a vigilant eye on its proliferation in schools throughout the nation.

 

According to official figures, since January 1st, 108,891 cases of the XEC variant have been logged, resulting in 27 fatalities.

 

The majority of the deaths, around 80%, have tragically been among senior citizens, highlighting the virus's dangerous impact on the elderly, classified under the "608 group."

 

Despite the swift transmission, the strain, a descendant of Omicron, is noted for its relatively mild severity. However, its rapid spread raises significant concerns, especially with the variant having already impacted children as well.

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has urged educational institutions to keep a watchful eye and manage potential clusters amongst pupils.

 

Health expert Dr Teera Woratanarat from Chulalongkorn University underlines that this Covid-19 strain continues to be the foremost infectious disease, affecting individuals across all ages, including young children, teenagers, and those in the working-age bracket.

 

In just a week, Covid-19 hospital admissions saw a 35.5% jump, numbering 43,213 both for in-patients and outpatients.

 

Three fresh fatalities were recently reported in Kanchanaburi, Sukhothai, and Bangkok Noi, underscoring the persistent threat posed by this highly transmissible variant.

 

The country remains in its 21st week of applying disease control measures to mitigate further spread and protect at-risk populations.

 

The Thai authorities maintain vigilance, focusing resources on shielding the most vulnerable while the quick spread of the virus prompts continuous review and adaptation of health protocols.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-21

 

 

[connda]

Best to shove swabs up kid's noses, mandate masks for everyone, social distance because we tell you to, force everyone to get shots, and of course start closing all "non-essential businesses" again.  Time to hammer the final stake though the heart of the Thai economy and put an end to small and medium size businesses in the name of Covid - The king of all diseases.  And close the airports.  No more tourism!  And roll out the "Experts" again to scare the commoners into compliance.  Gotta pick up where they left off.

[connda]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

In just a week, Covid-19 hospital admissions saw a 35.5% jump, numbering 43,213 both for in-patients and outpatients.

In Thailand, they'll hospitalize people for having a freaking cold.