Covid cases approach 100,000 during respiratory illness rise

Thailand recorded 95,357 Covid-19 cases and 14 deaths between January 1 and August 28, 2026, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC).

Dr Montien Kanasawat, director-general of the DDC, said data from the Epidemiology Division’s Digital Disease Surveillance system showed an infection rate of 144.76 cases per 100,000 people.

The mortality rate stood at 0.02 per 100,000 people, while the case fatality rate was 0.01%.

Reported infections increased over the past month, alongside rising cases of other respiratory illnesses, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.

NB.1.8.1 remains the dominant variant

Variant surveillance data from the Department of Medical Sciences covered 978 samples collected between January 1, 2025 and July 23, 2026.

The NB.1.8.1 lineage was detected in 490 samples, accounting for 50.10% of the total. It was followed by JN.1 with 246 samples, or 25.15%; XEC with 82, or 8.38%; XFG with 76, or 7.77%; and the BA.3.2 group with eight, or 0.82%. 

Among 48 samples collected between June 19 and July 20, NB.1.8.1 remained dominant, appearing in 27 samples, or 56.25%.

JN.1 was found in 15 samples, or 31.25%, while XFG and the BA.3.2 group were each detected in two samples, or 4.17%. One sample, or 2.08%, was listed under other variants.

The category counts published for this period totalled 47, one fewer than the stated total of 48 samples.

Health officials said changing weather and the respiratory-disease season could lead to further increases in infections, including clusters in schools, workplaces and communities.

People urged to rest and limit close contact

People experiencing fever, coughing, a sore throat, a runny nose, headache or fatigue should rest and reduce contact with others to avoid spreading infection to family members, colleagues and people around them.

Those who test positive should not force themselves to attend work or participate in crowded activities.

Anyone who must leave home should wear a mask, particularly when near older people, those with underlying conditions or people with weakened immune systems, who face a higher risk of severe illness.

Dr Direk Khampaen, deputy director-general of the DDC, urged people to follow the principle of “rest when sick and reduce close contact”.

He advised patients to get sufficient rest, avoid close contact and sharing personal items, wear a mask when around others, wash their hands regularly and keep indoor areas well ventilated.

Those travelling to see a doctor should wear a mask throughout the journey.

People with mild symptoms may initially care for themselves and monitor their condition.

However, anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, unusual drowsiness or difficulty eating or drinking should seek medical attention immediately.

Older people, those with underlying conditions and people with weakened immune systems should consult a doctor or healthcare facility if they become unwell.

The DDC also warned against sharing false or misleading information about Covid-19 on social media.

It said the current variant and infection patterns remained under close surveillance and were developing broadly in line with expectations, urging the public not to panic and to rely on official Ministry of Public Health channels.