Thailand tightens hantavirus screening
Public health editor
Timestamp shown in UTC unless otherwise indicated.
Thailand's Ministry of Health announced enhanced sanitary control at airports and border checkpoints after reports of a deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic. Officials said the country's epidemiological surveillance system is activated at maximum level.
The head of the epidemiology department confirmed that Thai passengers returning from cruise ship MV Hondius are undergoing medical examination. According to the ministry representative, tourists were under constant observation from the moment of disembarkation.
Measures Taken by Authorities
All international flights arriving in Thailand from regions with recorded hantavirus cases will undergo enhanced inspection. Medical teams are on duty at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket airports. Passengers with fever symptoms are immediately directed to quarantine.
The ministry also issued recommendations for Thai citizens planning trips to countries where cases have been registered. Tourists are advised to avoid contact with rodents and observe personal hygiene measures in endemic areas.