Hantavirus Not Yet Detected in Thailand as Government Intensifies Surveillance and Screening Measures
Thailand has detected no hantavirus cases, but the government is intensifying surveillance at borders and screening travelers following infections linked to a cruise ship in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Government Deputy Spokesperson Lalida Perischvivat revealed on May 11, 2025, that the government through the Ministry of Public Health is closely monitoring the hantavirus situation. Thailand currently has no reported cases of the virus, and the risk to the general public is assessed as low.
Surveillance measures have been intensified at international disease control checkpoints and through domestic monitoring systems following a World Health Organization report of infections linked to a cruise ship in the South Atlantic Ocean.
According to Perischvivat, hantavirus is a contagious disease primarily transmitted by rodents such as field mice and house mice. Infection typically occurs through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent urine or feces in poorly ventilated areas. Human-to-human transmission is rare and limited to specific strains.
Early symptoms resemble the flu, and some patients may develop respiratory complications. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available; management is supportive care only.
The government has ordered the Department of Disease Control to increase surveillance of travelers from high-risk areas through coordination with airlines, ports, and relevant agencies. Public health facilities nationwide have been instructed to screen individuals with histories of rodent exposure.
The National Communicable Disease Committee also approved further study of classifying hantavirus as a dangerous communicable disease under the 2015 Communicable Disease Act, along with risk assessment preparation and surveillance system development.
The government is urging the public to reduce exposure risk by avoiding poorly ventilated areas where rodents may live. When cleaning high-risk areas, disinfectant should be sprayed first, avoiding sweeping or vacuuming. Homes and workplaces should be kept clean and rodent-free.
"The government prioritizes close monitoring of emerging diseases. Although Thailand currently faces low risk, we have prepared surveillance systems, screening protocols, and communication strategies to ensure public safety and confidence," the statement said.
