Health Ministry alerts public to Hantavirus; symptoms resemble flu but with high fatality rate
Thailand's Health Ministry has alerted the public to Hantavirus after WHO confirmed cruise ship cases in the South Atlantic with three deaths, though the risk to the general public remains low. The disease, spread primarily through rodent c
On May 8, 2025, Dr. Monton Khanasawat, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health, disclosed that the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on May 7 confirmed cases of Hantavirus infection linked to a cruise ship operating in the South Atlantic Ocean, with three reported deaths. WHO assessed the risk to the general public as low. The incident garnered international attention due to its connection to international travel and reports of human-to-human transmission in certain cases, prompting close monitoring in multiple countries.
Dr. Monton explained that Hantavirus is a zoonotic disease, with rats and certain rodents serving as natural reservoirs. Most people become infected by inhaling aerosolized particles contaminated with rodent urine, feces, or saliva, particularly in poorly ventilated areas such as storage rooms, warehouses, or abandoned buildings. However, this disease does not spread as easily as COVID-19 or influenza, as infection primarily occurs through environmental exposure rather than person-to-person transmission. Human-to-human transmission has been reported only in limited areas of South America.
Dr. Monton noted that initial symptoms resemble influenza, including high fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Some cases may progress to severe symptoms such as pneumonia, shortness of breath, respiratory failure, or acute kidney failure. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) specifically carries a mortality rate of approximately 30-40 percent.
Regarding Thailand, Dr. Monton stated that there have been no reported outbreaks of this disease in the disease surveillance system. The Department of Disease Control has instructed all international disease control checkpoints to closely monitor the situation, increased surveillance of travelers from affected areas, and maintained continuous coordination with airlines, ports, and relevant agencies.
Simultaneously, all national health service units have been alerted to enhance screening and investigation for disease symptoms in patients, particularly those with exposure history to rodents or recent travel from risk areas.
Dr. Direk Khampaen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, advised the public to avoid contact with rats and rodent secretions, maintain cleanliness of homes and workplaces, store food in airtight containers, dispose of garbage properly, and seal entry points for rodents. When cleaning areas potentially infested with rodents, ensure adequate ventilation first and use damp cloths or disinfectant when cleaning, while wearing masks and gloves to prevent airborne transmission.
Dr. Direk advised that anyone experiencing high fever, muscle aches, or unusual shortness of breath following rodent contact or travel from risk areas should seek immediate medical attention, while informing healthcare providers of their travel and exposure history for prompt diagnosis and treatment. For additional information, contact the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.
