Thailand Public Health Update: Contagious Diseases & Health Hazards – 2025
Thailand’s public health authorities are monitoring a range of infectious diseases and health hazards as of late 2025. This report summarizes key findings and preventative measures for eight contagious diseases, alongside data on non-communicable health risks. A concerning trend across several illnesses is a higher incidence of severe outcomes and fatalities in individuals aged 60 years and over.
Vector-Borne Diseases:
* Chikungunya Disease: in 2025, 1,064 cases of Chikungunya (characterized by fever and joint pain) were reported, with no fatalities. The highest incidence was observed in the 35-44 age group.Case numbers represent a 2.4-fold increase compared too 2024,with concentrations in Chiang Mai,Bueng Kan,Lamphun,and Udon thani provinces.
* Sika Virus Infection: 175 cases of Sika virus infection were identified in 2025, primarily affecting individuals aged 25-34.Notably, there was an increase in reported infections among pregnant women. Transmitted by mosquitoes, symptoms include low-grade fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and fatigue.
* Leptospirosis (Quick Fever): Between January 1st and September 4th,2025,a cumulative total of 2,631 Leptospirosis cases were recorded,resulting in 32 deaths. The highest number of cases and fatalities occurred in individuals aged 60 years or older. Individuals who have walked through mud or been exposed to floodwaters within 1-2 weeks are urged to seek immediate medical attention, informing their doctor of potential exposure.
* Melioidosis (Earthworm Disease): From January 1st to August 29th, 2025, 2,782 cases of Melioidosis were reported, with 130 fatalities. Similar to leptospirosis, the highest incidence and mortality rates were observed in the 60+ age group. Preventative measures include avoiding direct contact with soil and water, thorough washing with soap and water after exposure, consuming fully cooked food, drinking properly packaged or boiled water, avoiding dust inhalation, and seeking immediate medical attention for persistent fever (lasting two days or more) following soil/water contact.
Emerging & Re-emerging Infectious diseases:
* Bird flu (Avian Influenza): Globally, 27 cases of bird flu were reported in 2025, resulting in 9 deaths. While the risk to thailand remains low, continuous monitoring is essential. Public health officials advise avoiding contact with abnormal or deceased poultry or livestock, wearing protective gear (masks, gloves) when handling animals, and thorough handwashing afterward. Reporting of mass poultry deaths to livestock authorities is crucial. Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, breathing difficulties, conjunctivitis) should seek medical care. Travelers to outbreak areas should obtain travel health insurance and stay informed about local conditions. Countries with reported outbreaks as of August 2025 include Cambodia, the United States, Mexico, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Brazil. Individuals returning from these countries who develop influenza-like symptoms within two weeks should inform their doctor of their travel history.
* Polio: In August 2025, a case of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (CVDPV1) was reported in savanna District, Lao PDR. Thai health authorities are emphasizing the importance of polio vaccination for children. Parents are urged to ensure their children are fully vaccinated, and those with incomplete or delayed vaccination schedules should receive the necessary doses at public health facilities. Travelers to polio outbreak areas without a vaccination history are advised to receive a booster dose at least four weeks prior to travel.
Other Health Hazards:
* Electrical Accidents: In 2025, 88 people were injured and 88 died from electric shock incidents.
* Lightning Strikes: 58 people were injured and 5 people died from lightning strikes in 2025. The highest number of injuries and deaths from both electrical accidents and lightning strikes occurred in the 45-49 age group.
This data is based on data available as of late 2025 and is subject to change. The Ministry of Public Health continues to monitor these and other health threats to protect the population of Thailand.
