Bangkok: The government has issued a warning to the public to be cautious of diarrhea, which is particularly prevalent during the hot season. It advises adhering to the principle of "cooked, hot, clean" and recommends consuming clean and safe drinking water and ice that have FDA certification. There have been more than 120,000 reported cases of acute diarrhea.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Karom Polpornklang, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, emphasized the importance of maintaining health during the summer months, especially by ensuring the cleanliness of food. The hot weather can cause food to spoil quickly, increasing the risk of disease. Mr. Karom urged the public to consume cooked, clean, and hygienic food.
The Department of Disease Control reported that, in addition to diarrhea, influenza is a significant concern, with 211,194 cases and 23 deaths recorded from January 1 to March 14, 2025. The age group most affected is 5 to 9 years old, with the A/H1N1 strain being the most common. Schools have been identified as the primary locations for outbreaks.
Pneumonia cases have reached 111,552, resulting in 149 deaths over the same period, although the trend is declining compared to 2024. The most affected age group is 0 to 4 years old, while the majority of deaths occur in individuals aged 60 and older.
Food poisoning has affected 37,831 individuals, with no deaths reported. The incidence rate is 58.28 per 100,000 population, and the 5 to 9-year-old age group is the most affected. The number of cases in 2025 has surpassed those in 2024.
Acute diarrhea has resulted in 129,638 cases and 2 deaths between January 1 and March 13, 2025, with the highest infection rates in children aged 0 to 4 years. The 2025 case numbers are comparable to those of 2024.
Mr. Karom highlighted the importance of public health measures, such as washing hands with soap and clean water, choosing boiled or FDA-approved bottled water, and consuming clean ice with no leaks in the packaging. He also recommended wearing masks in crowded places and seeking medical treatment promptly for respiratory illnesses.