Thailand reports an increase in many infectious diseases in 2023
2023 saw an increase in most infectious diseases—arbovirus diseases, parasitic, sexually transmitted and vaccine preventable-- in Thailand, according to data from the country’s Bureau of Epidemiology (BOE).
I’ll describe a little about the lesser known diseases/infections.
Dengue, chikungunya and Zika increases
In 2023, Thailand reported increases in dengue fever. 153,734 total cases were reported this year, a 231 percent increase compared to the 46,679 cases reported in 2022.
Deaths were also up from 32 last year to 168 in 2023.
Thailand saw a 290 percent increase in Zika virus infections in 2023—from 190 last year to 742 in 2023.
While not nearly as dramatic as dengue fever or Zika virus, Thailand also reported a slight increase in chikungunya cases—1371 in 2023 compared to 1311 in 2022.
Parasitic diseases
Starting with malaria, Thailand reported 4,990 cases including 4 deaths in 2023. This is up from 2,790 cases and 3 deaths last year.
But it wasn’t just malaria. Liver fluke infections are an issue in Thailand and 2023 saw a more than doubling of cases in 2023.
2023 saw 1,997 liver fluke infections compared with 959 cases last year.
Human liver flukes are waterborne parasites that cause significant disease burden, particularly in Asia. Specifically, they are foodborne trematodes, which some researchers have labeled as “among the most neglected of the so-called neglected tropical diseases”.
Opisthorchis viverrini (Southeast Asian liver fluke) is a primary parasite of interest and a public health priority in Thailand, where it is transmitted to humans via the consumption of popular local raw and fermented fish dishes such as koi pla and pla som.
Lastly, amoebic dysentery caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, saw an increase in Thailand in 2023—1,612 in 2023 vs 1,263 in 2022.
Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD)
Thailand reported a 49 percent increase in measles in 2023. The BOE reported 265 cases in 2022 and 395 cases in 2023.
Pertussis, or whooping cough saw the most significant increase in 2023. Officials reported 257 pertussis cases and 3 deaths this year, compared to 19 cases and no deaths in 2022. This is a more than 1,200 percent increase year over year.
Tetanus cases rose from 29 in 2022 to 47 in 2023.
Thailand did not report a single diphtheria case in 2022; however, six cases were reported in 2023.
While Thailand saw increases in measles and pertussis, other VPDs were level or saw a decrease. For example rubella cases were down 9 percent and mumps cases were basically the same in each year.
Sexually transmitted infections
Like most countries, Thailand reports an increase in syphilis cases in 2023. the BOE reported 19,243 in 2023, up from 14,008 cases in 2022.
Gonorrhea cases also saw an increase—6,915 to 11,551, 2022 to 2023 respectively.
Melioidosis
Now to infectious diseases more regional and associated with Thailand and that area of the world.
Melioidosis is caused by direct contact with Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is found in contaminated soil and water.
Cases are most common in areas of the world with tropical and sub-tropical climates–South and Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and parts of Central and South America and Puerto Rico.
Melioidosis has a wide range of nonspecific symptoms like fever, joint pain, and headaches and can cause conditions that include pneumonia, abscess formation, or blood infections. Worldwide, melioidosis is fatal in 10 – 50% of those infected.
Thailand reported 4,041 melioidosis cases, including 93 deaths in 2023, compared to 3,573 cases and 157 deaths in 2022.
Streptococcus suis
Streptococcus suis infection tends to occur sporadically especially in the high risk regions due to a risky behavior of eating local favorite food, i.e. raw pork with fresh blood (Lahp-moo) and close contact with pigs with no proper personal protection.
Human Streptococcus suis infection is a zoonotic infection associated with pigs. The infection can be fatal, particularly if the specific strain produces certain toxins. S. suis infection can manifest itself in meningitis, hearing impairment, toxic shock, septicemia and endocarditis.
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It can be contracted either through ingesting raw pork or if it comes in contact with an open wound or mucous membrane.
The BOE reported 383 S. suis cases and 10 deaths in 2022. In 2023, the number of cases rose to 592 and 32 deaths—a 55 percent increase in cases.
To prevent the disease, members of the public are advised to always practice personal and environmental hygiene. They should avoid contact with pigs that are sick or dead from diseases and their excreta or body fluid. If contact with pigs or raw pork is necessary, one should: Use protective gloves; Wash hands after handling pigs or raw pork; and Clean and cover all wounds properly.