Daijiworld Media Network - Bangkok

Bangkok, May 16: Thailand has officially classified Hantavirus infection as a “dangerous communicable disease,” with authorities introducing strict surveillance, rapid reporting rules and quarantine measures to prevent potential outbreaks.

The decision was approved on Friday by Thailand’s National Communicable Disease Committee, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

Under the new guidelines, all suspected hantavirus cases must be reported within three hours, while disease investigations are required to begin within 12 hours. Authorities have also mandated a 42-day quarantine period for individuals considered high-risk contacts.

In a statement, the ministry said hantavirus has become an increasing global health concern due to the risk posed by certain strains capable of spreading between humans through respiratory droplets, although such transmission remains relatively rare.

The ministry added that the new classification was necessary to strengthen preparedness and ensure a rapid national response to any potential cases.

To support the enhanced measures, health officials are implementing an expanded action plan focused on disease surveillance, laboratory testing, treatment readiness and local-level coordination.

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control is also intensifying screening and monitoring procedures at international entry points. Officials are finalising updated “Patients Under Investigation” criteria and emergency investigation protocols for suspected domestic cases.

Somruek Chungsaman said provincial health departments and hospitals across the country have been instructed to closely monitor potential infections, immediately report suspected cases and communicate health risks to local communities without delay.

He urged people who have recently travelled from high-risk regions or had contact with rodents to seek urgent medical care if they develop symptoms such as high fever or breathing difficulties.

Health experts explained that hantaviruses are a group of viruses primarily carried by rodents and can cause severe illness in humans. Infection usually occurs through exposure to infected rodents or contact with their urine, saliva or droppings.

People may also contract the virus by touching contaminated surfaces or inhaling virus particles in areas with rodent infestations, particularly while cleaning enclosed spaces such as sheds, warehouses or abandoned buildings.

Although human-to-human transmission is uncommon, authorities warned that certain strains have shown the ability to spread through close respiratory contact.

Human infections are most frequently reported in rural and agricultural settings, including forests, farms and fields, where rodent exposure is more likely.