Thailand Medical Updates: Country Facing COVID-19 Threat Amid Rising Cases and Prime Minister's Infection
James Josh Fact checked by:TMN Jun 17, 2024 4 months, 1 week, 1 day, 16 hours, 25 minutes ago
Thailand Medical:
COVID-19 Cases on the Rise
Thailand continues to grapple with high COVID-19 infection rates, recording 2,881 new hospitalizations and seven deaths in the past week. The Thai Department of Disease Control reported a slight increase in cases compared to the previous week, which saw 2,762 hospitalizations. This uptick is a reminder of the virus's persistent presence in the country.
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Thailand Facing COVID-19 Threat Amid Rising Cases and Prime Minister's Infection
File photo courtesy: CNN
Emergence of KP.2 Strain
Adding to the concerns is the emergence of the KP.2 strain, which is predicted to become the dominant variant in Thailand.
https://cov-spectrum.org/explore/Thailand/AllSamples/Past6M
Medical experts highlighted that KP.2 is more transmissible and better at evading antibodies than its predecessor, JN.1, which has been prevalent since late last year. However, KP.2 does not cause more severe illness compared to previous strains.
Vaccine Challenges
The current vaccines, developed from the XBB.1.5 strain, are proving less effective against both JN.1 and KP.2. The World Health Organization has recommended developing new vaccines to combat these evolving strains, but the rapid mutation of the virus makes this a challenging task.
Thailand Medical experts emphasized the difficulty in producing vaccines that match the presently dominant strain.
Rising Infections and Hospitalizations
In the past week, the Thai Department of Disease Control reported that there were 748 COVID-19 hospitalized cases with lung inflammation, with 339 requiring respirators. The rise in severe cases is particularly alarming, given the potential for increased transmission in environments such as schools, prisons, and military camps. The rainy season is expected to further exacerbate the spread of the virus, with COVID-19 now considered endemic and capable of spreading year-round.
Expert Warnings
An expert in preventive medicine from Chulalongkorn University issued a stark warning, predicting that daily infections in Thailand could surpass 18,000. This projection is based on data from the Public Health Ministry, which estimates current daily infections to be between 13,443 and 18,671 individuals. While the expert did not elaborate on the specifics of his methodology, the concerning statistics underline the gravity of the situation.
Prime Minister Tests Positive
In a related development, Thailand’s
Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin has tested positive for COVID-19. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the diagnosis late last night, stating that Srettha has been unwell since Friday, June 14. He has been advised to rest and isolate until Wednesday, June 19, to prevent further spread of the virus.
Health Concerns and Precautions
Chai Watcharong, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, reported that Srettha consulted a doctor who confirmed the COVID-19 infection. The physician has recommended rest and isolation for the Prime Minister. Srettha expressed regret over any potential exposure to individuals he has met recently and urged them to undergo testing if they exhibit symptoms.
Conclusion
Thailand is at a critical juncture in its fight against COVID-19, facing the dual challenges of rising infections and the spread of a more transmissible strain. The situation is compounded by the Prime Minister's recent infection, highlighting the virus's pervasive impact. As health authorities and experts continue to monitor and respond to these developments, the public is urged to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended health guidelines to mitigate the spread of the virus.
For the latest updates about the COVID-19 situation in Thailand, keep on logging to
Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/omicron-variants-including-jn-1-show-increased-upper-respiratory-fitness-without-severe-lung-impact
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/hidden-covid-19-reinfections-revealed-in-healthy-blood-donors
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