Bangkok, Sept. 16 -- Nearly 8,500 cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been reported in Thailand so far this year with one fatality, the Thai Ministry of Public Health has reported, noting an increase in number compared to the same period last year as well as the upward trend.

The ministry warned that the RSV can easily spread through mucus, saliva and toys around children. Currently, there is no specific treatment or RSV vaccine for children, so families were urged to take preventive measures.

Dr Jurai Wongsawat, a senior physician, said RSV is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, with a survival rate of several hours in the environment and an incubation period of 2-8 days, making the di...