Winter alert for seven diseases and two health risks from DDC
Thailand lists seven diseases and two winter hazards, urging extra care for children, older people and those with underlying conditions.
- Thailand's Department of Disease Control (DDC) has issued a winter health alert for seven diseases and two health risks, with a focus on vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
- The seven diseases include four respiratory illnesses (influenza, pneumonia, RSV, COVID-19), one food-borne illness (acute diarrhoea), and two vector-borne diseases (malaria, scrub typhus).
- The two specified health risks are death from cold exposure, which is exacerbated by alcohol consumption, and carbon monoxide poisoning from poorly ventilated gas water heaters.
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has issued a winter health advisory covering seven infectious diseases and two potentially fatal hazards, urging particular care for young children, older people and those with underlying medical conditions.
Dr Montien Kanasawadse, the department’s director-general, said on November 10, 2026, that people of all ages could fall ill from diseases and health hazards associated with cold weather.
The department’s 2026 winter advisory sets out precautions against respiratory infections, food- and waterborne illness, vector-borne diseases and other seasonal health risks.
Cold exposure and gas water heaters
Cold-related deaths are a particular concern among people without adequate warm clothing. Montien cautioned against drinking alcohol in the belief that it helps keep the body warm, as doing so increases the risk of sudden death in cold conditions.
Another potentially fatal hazard is the accumulation of toxic fumes and insufficient oxygen in poorly ventilated bathrooms fitted with gas water heaters.
The department recommends switching on an extractor fan, limiting showers to no more than 10 minutes and leaving the bathroom door open for ventilation for 15–20 minutes before the next person enters.
Anyone who feels dizzy or faint should leave the bathroom immediately.
Seven diseases to watch
The four respiratory illnesses covered by the advisory are influenza, pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and COVID-19.
The department noted that cool, dry conditions can favour the spread of respiratory infections. It recommended wearing a face mask in crowded places, washing hands frequently and receiving vaccinations as recommended.
Acute diarrhoea, which can result from consuming contaminated food or water, is the food- and waterborne illness on the list.
To reduce the risk, the department urged people to eat freshly cooked, hot food prepared hygienically, drink clean water and use serving spoons when sharing dishes.
The two vector-borne diseases are malaria, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, and scrub typhus, transmitted by larval mites.
People visiting forests or agricultural areas should be particularly alert to these infections. Anyone who develops a high fever or notices a lesion resembling a cigarette burn should seek medical attention promptly. Such a lesion can occur with scrub typhus.
Disease surveillance and response
Dr Direk Khampaen, deputy director-general of the DDC, said the department had coordinated with all 12 Offices of Disease Prevention and Control and the Institute for Urban Disease Control and Prevention to closely monitor local conditions.
Surveillance and Rapid Response Teams are being prepared for immediate deployment if an outbreak occurs.
Further information is available through the DDC hotline on 1422.
