Government Confirms No Hantavirus Outbreak, Steps Up Screening Measures
Thailand has detected no hantavirus outbreak and maintains low public risk, though authorities are strengthening disease screening at borders and domestic checkpoints following a WHO report of infections linked to a cruise ship.
BANGKOK — May 11, 2026: Thailand has not detected any outbreak of hantavirus infections and the current risk to the public remains low, the government said on Monday, while authorities continue to strengthen disease surveillance and screening measures.
Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Pherdsriwattana said the Public Health Ministry was closely monitoring the situation following a World Health Organization (WHO) report linking hantavirus infections to a cruise ship in the South Atlantic Ocean.
She said Thailand had increased monitoring at international disease control checkpoints and within domestic surveillance systems despite no confirmed local outbreak.
Hantavirus is primarily spread by rodents such as field rats and house rats. Infection usually occurs through inhaling airborne particles contaminated with rodent urine or droppings in poorly ventilated spaces.
Human-to-human transmission is considered very rare and has only been associated with certain strains of the virus.
Early symptoms typically resemble influenza, although some patients may later develop severe respiratory complications.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for hantavirus, with medical care focused on treating symptoms.
The government has instructed the Department of Disease Control to intensify screening of travellers arriving from high-risk areas and coordinate information sharing with airlines, ports and related agencies.
Public health units nationwide have also been advised to increase screening for patients with a history of rodent exposure.
Thailand's National Communicable Disease Committee has approved a study into whether hantavirus should be classified as a dangerous communicable disease under the Communicable Disease Act of 2015.
Authorities are also preparing updated risk assessments, surveillance systems and response plans to match the evolving situation.
The government urged the public to reduce contact with rodents and contaminated environments, avoid entering enclosed spaces where rodents may live and disinfect risky areas before cleaning them.
Officals advised against sweeping or vacuuming contaminated areas directly and recommended maintaining clean homes and workplaces to prevent rodent infestations.
"The government is closely monitoring emerging diseases," Lalida said. "Although Thailand's current risk remains low, preparedness measures for surveillance, screening and public communication are being strengthened continuously to ensure public confidence and safety."
