At the Phuket Provincial Communicable Disease Committee meeting, held at the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) earlier this week, officials reviewed current disease trends and agreed on a series of public health actions aimed at reducing infections and protecting vulnerable groups.
The meeting was chaired by Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Thiraphong Chuaychu and attended by key health and government officials including PPHO Deputy Director Supalak Damrongchuea and Kusuma Sawangphan, Head of the PPHO Communicable Disease Control Group.
Key diseases discussed included influenza, COVID-19, dengue fever, acute diarrhoea, HIV, and syphilis. Four proposals were presented for approval by the committee, including draft measures for dengue prevention, stigma reduction related to HIV, and integrated screening and treatment for HIV, STIs and hepatitis B and C.
DENGUE ON THE RISE
One of the most pressing concerns raised was the increasing number of dengue fever cases, which have now surpassed last year’s figures for the same period. One death has been reported so far in 2025, with most cases found among working-age adults (20-29 years) and young children (5-9 years). Outbreaks have been reported in all subdistricts across the island.
The committee is preparing an official announcement detailing updated dengue monitoring and control measures. Residents are being urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by applying repellent, removing stagnant water weekly, and seeking prompt medical care if they experience a high fever.
The public is also warned not to take fever-reducing medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which may worsen dengue symptoms, and to rely on paracetamol under medical supervision.
INCREASE IN HIV, SYPHILIS AND STIS
The meeting also reviewed statistics on sexually transmitted infections, which have shown a worrying rise.
Since the beginning of 2025, Phuket has recorded 204 HIV/AIDS cases, with 41 people officially registered for treatment. Syphilis continues to spread, with 607 patients recorded so far this year, including 13 new cases in the past week alone.
Other STIs included 268 cases of gonorrhoea, 156 of non-gonococcal urethritis, 67 of chancroid, and other venereal diseases affecting lymphatic systems.
Authorities are developing public health campaigns aimed at reducing stigma around HIV and improving access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. These efforts will include education initiatives targeted at both individuals and communities, with a focus on rights protection and the elimination of discrimination related to HIV and gender.
DIARRHOEA, INFLUENZA, COVID-19
Phuket has also seen a sharp increase in diarrhoea cases, with more patients reported in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The number of cases has exceeded the five-year median, although no deaths have been recorded. The highest infection rates are among children aged 0-4 and adults aged 20-29.
Health officials reminded the public to maintain good hygiene practices, particularly handwashing, and to monitor symptoms in young children closely.
Officials are calling on at-risk groups to get vaccinated against influenza, which is expected to spread more easily during the rainy season. The vaccine is available free of charge at all government hospitals and public health units.
PPHO Communicable Disease Chief Ms Kusuma stressed the importance of simple protective measures such as avoiding close contact with people with respiratory symptoms, using personal utensils, and wearing face masks in crowded areas.
“Patients should rest for at least three days or until fully recovered and wear a mask at all times to prevent transmission,” she said.
Although the COVID-19 situation has improved, health authorities urged continued vigilance. Individuals with suspected symptoms should use ATK test kits and, if positive, follow isolation guidelines, avoid gatherings and wear masks, especially during the early days of illness.