Health Health Officials Warn of Rising RSV Cases During Rainy Season

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Thailand’s public health authorities have issued a warning as cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) rise during the rainy season, with over 1,600 infections reported so far this year. The virus poses a particular risk to young children and the elderly.

 

Dr. Phanumas Yanawetsakul, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), confirmed on 21 July, that from 1 January to 21 July 2025, a total of 1,631 RSV cases have been reported nationwide, though no deaths have yet been recorded. The majority of patients, 1,246 cases, were children under the age of four.

 

The second most affected group are children aged 5 to 9 (141 cases), followed by individuals over 60 (60 cases). RSV is known to cause severe respiratory illness, particularly pneumonia, in infants and elderly patients.

 

Dr. Phanumas noted that RSV infections are seasonal in Thailand, with peaks typically observed during the rainy and winter months, coinciding with influenza outbreaks. The virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing and contact with contaminated surfaces. It can survive on hard surfaces for several hours, increasing the likelihood of transmission in crowded or shared environments.

 

“Early symptoms of RSV are similar to those of the common cold, fever, cough, runny nose, and sore throat,” said Dr. Phanumas. “However, if a child exhibits rapid or laboured breathing, wheezing, chest retraction, fatigue, reduced appetite or refuses to feed or play, they should be taken to a doctor immediately.”

 

Deputy Director-General of the DDC, Dr. Direk Khampan, urged the public, especially parents and caregivers, to adopt preventive measures similar to those used to curb influenza and COVID-19, including:

 

1. Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitiser.

2. Avoiding touching the nose, mouth, and eyes with unclean hands.

3. Not sharing personal items such as utensils or drinking glasses.

4. Regularly disinfecting children’s toys, particularly after contact with sick individuals.

5. Avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.

 

Advice for Patients:

 

• Stay home and rest. Wear a face mask to prevent transmission.

• Keep the environment clean to reduce viral presence in the home.

• Drink plenty of fluids to help thin respiratory secretions.

• If symptoms worsen, such as increased breathing difficulty or fatigue, seek medical attention immediately.

 

For more information, the public can contact the Department of Disease Control’s hotline.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-22