Monitoring School Clusters: COVID-19 Spreads 7 Times More Than Influenza

In the latest COVID-19 situation report, Assoc. Prof. Thira Woratanarat, MD a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, revealed that COVID-19 is spreading nearly seven times more than influenza. Meanwhile, Bangkok authorities are urging increased vigilance for “school clusters.”

Assoc. Prof. Thira Woratanarat, MD shared on his personal Facebook page, “Thira Woratanarat,” that COVID-19 was the most common communicable disease causing illness among the population last week. It ranked number one across all age groups—from toddlers, children, teenagers, and working-age adults to the elderly.

According to last week’s statistics, there were 43,213 patients treated in hospitals (both inpatients and outpatients), marking a 35.5% increase from the previous week. Three deaths were reported, from Kanchanaburi, Sukhothai, and Bangkok's Bang Khun Non district. When comparing COVID-19 to influenza, the rate of illness from COVID-19 was nearly 7 times higher.

The overall ratio across all age groups is 7:1:

     - Age 0–4 years: 4:1

     - Age 5–19 years: 3:1

     - University age, working-age (20–59 years), and elderly (60 years and above): 10:1

COVID-19 Outbreak: Vigilance for School Clusters

Mrs. Lertluck Leelaruangsang, Director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Medical Services, stated that since the school term began, there has been a noticeable increase in COVID-19 cases, especially among young children aged 0–4 years. Between April and May 8, 2025, a total of 1,974 cases were reported at BMA-affiliated hospitals—11 inpatients and 1,963 outpatients.

The BMA Medical Department has prepared to handle the situation by ensuring availability of medical personnel, hospital beds, vaccines, medications, and essential supplies. Proactive measures are also being implemented in schools and early childhood development centers. If cluster outbreaks are detected, there will be an effective plan in place for containment and prevention.

Additionally, the department is campaigning to raise awareness among students, parents, teachers, and school staff, emphasizing monitoring of risk symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or runny nose. If symptoms occur, an ATK test should be conducted. If the result is positive, the individual should isolate and wear a mask to prevent transmission, and seek medical attention promptly.

 

Source: 

Thaihealth