Viral Etiology of Acute Respiratory Infections, Before and After Relaxed COVID-19 Preventative Measures in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand

Abstract

           Viruses are highly contagious and can evolve rapidly, leading to the emergence of new strains with different antigenic properties. These variations can influence the transmission dynamics and severity of viral diseases. The surveillance data indicates that the most prevalent viruses causing acute respiratory infections are rhinovirus/enterovirus, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2, and parainfluenza virus. After the relaxation of measures implemented to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the surveillance data revealed a statistically significant increase in the incidence of influenza (9.9%; 95%CI 6.0-13.7) and human metapneumovirus (5.9%; 95%CI 3.9-8.0). Conversely, there was a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (14.8%; 95%CI (-18.9)-(-10.5)). A benefit of this analysis is the identification of the incidence of acute respiratory infections caused by non-influenza viruses. Studying the genetic metagenomics of viruses in the environment is challenging, yet crucial for advancing knowledge and developing surveillance systems for new viral strains and vaccines to prevent future outbreaks.