BANGKOK, May 15 — Thailand has classified hantavirus infection as a “dangerous communicable disease”, empowering health authorities to impose quarantine and isolation measures amid growing global concern over the virus and its potential transmission risks.
The National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) today approved the move, which covers both Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).
Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr Somruk Chungsaman said all detected cases must be reported within three hours, while investigations must begin within 12 hours, with high-risk contacts subject to quarantine for up to 42 days.
He said the decision followed recommendations by health experts, who concluded that hantavirus infection should be classified as a dangerous communicable disease due to its severity and the possibility of certain strains spreading from person to person.
“The disease is also a matter of global concern.
“The measure is intended to ensure authorities can respond swiftly and appropriately in line with the evolving public health risk posed by the virus,” he said in a statement after chairing the NCDC meeting.
Under the draft Public Health Ministry announcement approved by the committee, disease control officers will be empowered to conduct investigations and enforce measures, including isolation and quarantine orders, to strengthen surveillance and containment efforts.
Dr Somruk said symptoms of hantavirus infection include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, while severe cases may lead to pneumonia, breathing difficulties, kidney failure, shock and death.
He urged individuals with a history of rodent exposure or recent travel to high-risk areas who develop high fever or breathing difficulties to seek immediate medical attention for early diagnosis and treatment.
