Thailand medical authorities warn of rising RSV infections during the current rainy season
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 01, 2024 4 months, 3 weeks, 13 hours, 49 minutes ago
Rising Concern Amidst the Rainy Season
As the rainy season intensifies in Thailand, medical authorities have raised concerns about a surge in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections. This alert is particularly directed towards parents with young children and the elderly, urging them to be vigilant about symptoms related to respiratory illnesses.
Vulnerable Groups: Young Children and the Elderly
RSV primarily affects young children, especially those aged 0-2 years. According to past data, the infection rate has been notably high in Thailand during the months from July to November. The Department of Disease Control reported that children under two years old are most susceptible, with significant cases also observed in children aged 2-5 years and the elderly.
Study Findings: Surveillance Data on RSV
From September 2021 to July 2024, the Thai Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with various health institutes and a number of
Thailand Medical experts, conducted extensive surveillance and meta-analysis on respiratory illnesses and past data to predict trends. During this period, 1,239 cases of RSV were identified out of 19,983 respiratory illness cases. The majority of these infections were in children under two years old, followed by those aged 2-5 years, and a smaller percentage in individuals older than five. Among the elderly, particularly those with chronic illnesses, RSV infections were also recorded, with three reported deaths.
https://ddc.moph.go.th/brc/news.php?news=45088&deptcode=brc
The study found that:
578 cases (46.65%) were in children under 2 years old.
478 cases (38.58%) were in children aged 2-5 years.
183 cases (14.77%) were in individuals aged 5 years and older.
29 cases (2.34%) were in the elderly aged 60 years and over, with 20 of these elderly patients (68.97%) having chronic diseases.
Unfortunately, three RSV-infected patients died, representing a mortality rate of 0.24%. The youngest death recorded was in a child aged 1 year and 8 months, and the oldest was 86 years old.
Epidemiological Insights
RSV is known to cause severe pneumonia in young children and the elderly. Historical data indicates that RSV outbreaks coincide with the rainy and winter seasons, similar to influenza outbreaks. The virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing and can survive on surfaces for several hours, facilitating rapid transmission.
Preventive Measures: Protecting Yourself and Others
To mitigate the spread of RSV, the Department of Disease Control advises the public to adhere to preventive measures similar to those for influenza and COVID-19:
-Frequent Hand Washing: Regularly wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
-Avoid Touching Face: Refrain from touching the face with unclean hands.
-Personal Items: Do not share personal items such as utensils and cups.
-Clean Toys and Surfaces: Regularly disinfect children's toys and commonly
touched surfaces, especially after contact with a sick individual.
-Avoid
Close Contact: Maintain distance from individuals showing respiratory symptoms.
For those who are already infected:
-Rest and Isolation: Stay at home and wear a mask to prevent spreading the virus.
-Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep respiratory secretions loose.
-Seek Medical Attention: If symptoms worsen, such as difficulty breathing or decreased appetite, seek medical help promptly.
Conclusion: Staying Vigilant
With the rainy season creating a conducive environment for respiratory illnesses, staying vigilant and following preventive measures is crucial. Parents, caregivers, and the elderly must be particularly cautious to avoid severe outcomes from RSV infections.
For the more updates about RSV infections, keep on logging to
Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/italian-researchers-warn-that-common-respiratory-rsv-infections-are-a-threat-to-the-brain
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/jak-stat-pathway-identified-as-a-therapeutic-target-in-respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-infections
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