Thailand classifies hantavirus as dangerous communicable disease, mandates 42-day quarantine for high-risk contacts

Thai authorities have urged the public not to panic, noting that the country’s disease surveillance and emergency response systems remain prepared to manage potential cases.

Thailand has intensified surveillance and screening measures for hantavirus at international entry points, even as health officials stress that the overall risk to the country remains low. 

According to the Thai Public Relations Department, the country’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has stepped up monitoring of travellers arriving from high-risk regions, particularly South America, amidst concerns linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus.

The heightened vigilance comes as Thailand officially classified hantavirus as a dangerous communicable disease under the Communicable Disease Act 2015, according to Bangkok Post. The move makes hantavirus the 14^th disease on the country’s list of dangerous infections.

Per the report, under the new classification, suspected cases must be reported within three hours and investigated within 12 hours, while high-risk contacts of infected individuals will be required to undergo quarantine for 42 days from their last exposure.

Dr. Somruek Chungsaman, Permanent Secretary for Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, was quoted as saying the designation was intended to strengthen prevention and preparedness despite no confirmed cases having been detected in the country.

He added that the measure would enable authorities to take rapid legal action, including issuing isolation and quarantine orders, to reinforce disease surveillance and control efforts.

Separately, DDC Director-General Dr. Montien Kanasawat said authorities are also increasing inspections of cruise ships and international transport.

The measures include enhanced health screening for passengers and crew, stricter monitoring of suspected infections on vessels, environmental sanitation efforts, rodent control on ships, and ensuring officials have access to personal protective equipment.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Yong Poovorawan, who heads the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University clarified that hantavirus strains detected in Thailand differ from the Andes strain associated with recent cases in South America.

He noted that hantavirus has been present in Thailand for more than four decades, though infections have remained rare.

The virus is primarily carried by rodents and may spread through contact with contaminated urine, droppings, or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is considered uncommon, except in cases involving the Andes strain.

Symptoms of hantavirus infection can include fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Severe cases may progress to respiratory failure, pulmonary complications, shock, kidney failure, or death. Thai authorities have urged the public not to panic, noting that the country’s disease surveillance and emergency response systems remain prepared to manage potential cases.

People returning from high-risk areas who develop unusual symptoms after possible rodent exposure have been advised to seek medical attention promptly.

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