Thailand Screens South American Arrivals for Hantavirus

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has intensified screening measures for travelers arriving from 13 South American countries to monitor for Hantavirus. Although no cases have been reported in Thailand, the enhanced checks aim to ensure public confidence and support secure international travel.

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On May 12, DDC Director-General Montien Khanasawat visited Suvarnabhumi Airport, affirming the new protocols introduced on May 11. Travelers from the targeted South American nations must report to disease control officers before immigration if they visited within the last six weeks. They are required to fill out a T.8 health form and answer questions regarding symptoms.

Individuals displaying a fever above 38°C or symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, nausea, or breathing difficulties, accompanied by a risk history, will be referred to the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute for further diagnosis. They will be isolated or quarantined according to established procedures.

DDC Deputy Director-General Direk Khampaen emphasized that all checkpoint officers must strictly screen travelers from affected areas. The DDC continues to enhance disease surveillance, communication, and collaboration with related agencies to strengthen preventive measures.

Thailand operates 74 international disease control checkpoints, including 17 at airports, 18 at seaports, and 39 at land borders. Since May 9, officers have screened 470 travelers from South America, averaging 157 daily, with no cases detected.

The airports with the most arrivals from South America are Suvarnabhumi with 371 travelers, Chiang Mai with 28, Don Mueang with 27, Phuket with 20, and Krabi with two.

Direk advised returnees to promptly seek medical care for high fevers or breathing issues after exposure to rodents or travel to risk areas. Travelers should inform healthcare providers about their travel history and animal contact to facilitate immediate diagnosis and treatment. For inquiries, the public can reach the DDC hotline at 1422.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 12 May 2026