On January 26, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that Thailand has strengthened public health surveillance and screening measures to cope with the Nipah virus situation in India, using methods similar to those applied during the COVID-19 period.
To date, Thailand has not recorded any cases of Nipah virus infection, but authorities are very cautious.
The Thai Ministry of Health has been directed to provide timely information to people to avoid unnecessary confusion.
According to information provided, the Nipah virus spreads through contact with body fluids, not through airborne transmission.
People are advised to maintain personal hygiene by taking measures such as eating hot food, using separate food grabbing tools and washing hands regularly.
The Nipah virus, which can spread from animals to humans, can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between humans, according to information from the Singapore Infectious Diseases Control Agency.
The Thai Prime Minister also called on people to minimize close contact when possible, requesting no-contact greetings, similar to the measures applied during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The public needs to be extremely vigilant against the spread of the Nipah virus because there is currently no specific treatment method and vaccine for this virus.
Thailand will maintain monitoring measures for tourists from India and apply stricter screening for tourists from high-risk countries.
The Thai Ministry of Health began screening passengers from India to detect the possibility of Nipah virus infection on January 26, after reports of cases in West Bengal state.
Screening is being carried out at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, focusing on tourists from West Bengal.
The Thai Ministry of Health has also issued "Health Warning Cards" to tourists from high-risk areas.
According to recommendations, anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, drowsiness, confusion or convulsions, especially if they have been exposed to bats, sick animals or people infected with the Nipah virus within 21 days before coming to Thailand, should see a doctor immediately.
Visitors are advised to notify medical staff of their travel history, exposure, and the date of onset of symptoms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) lists the Nipah virus among pathogens targeted by global strategies and plans to prepare for diseases with potential epidemics.
WHO says that Nipah virus infection can range from mild to acute respiratory infections and fatal encephalitis.
The estimated mortality rate is from 40% to 75%, depending on each outbreak and the capacity of the local healthcare system.
