Bangkok’s health department foresees a severe surge in three diseases, characterized by high infection rates. To address this, they are intensifying monitoring for an additional 12 diseases. Preparations are in progress to manage patients, prevent infections, and secure treatment drugs and vaccines.
In 2024, the Health Department of Bangkok anticipates a notable outbreak of three diseases: the Omicron variant of Covid-19, influenza, and dengue fever. The influenza outbreak typically commences in May, and an annual vaccination can effectively prevent it.
The vaccination for influenza can be administered concurrently with the Covid vaccine. Dengue fever, which exhibited a high infection rate last year, is expected to persist this year. Although dengue can occur year-round, the highest incidence is during the rainy season from August to November. Adults are predominantly affected, with delayed treatment and second-time infections leading to higher fatality rates, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions.
In addition to monitoring these three diseases, the health department will also be vigilant for 12 other illnesses. These include food poisoning or diarrhoea, commonly found in school clusters; tuberculosis, with over 10,000 new cases annually in Bangkok; hand, foot, and mouth disease, prevalent in nursery schools and daycare centers at the beginning of the school term; and HIV/AIDS, estimated to have 867 new cases and 1,073 fatalities in 2024.
Other diseases on the watchlist encompass syphilis, abscess, scrub typhus, chikungunya, Zika virus, monkeypox, rabies, and conjunctivitis.
All 69 health service centers in Bangkok have been prepared by the health office to manage the anticipated outbreaks and monitor the 12 specified diseases. This includes securing infection protection equipment, disease treatment drugs, vaccines, and deploying disease control investigation teams.
The public is urged to prioritize good health practices, such as consuming freshly cooked food, avoiding leftovers, ensuring sufficient rest, and wearing masks to prevent respiratory diseases and overall infection prevention.
