Authorities have dismissed online claims that the Nipah virus has reached Thailand, confirming that no cases have been detected. Siriraj Hospital and the Department of Disease Control (DDC) stated on 16 February 2026 that reports circulating on social media were false. Officials stressed that Thailand has not recorded a single confirmed Nipah virus infection.

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The rumours stemmed from a social media post claiming: “Urgent: Nipah virus has reached Thailand. Wear a mask to protect yourself. Siriraj 1 case, Chanthaburi 6 cases.” The message was widely shared online, prompting concern among the public.

In response, the Facebook page “sirirajpr” of Siriraj Hospital issued a clarification on 15 February 2026 stating that the report of a Nipah virus case at the hospital was fake news. The post urged the public to verify information before sharing it further.

The hospital added that the suspected case had been tested and the result showed parainfluenza, a respiratory infection caused by a virus similar to influenza, not Nipah virus. It advised the public to follow accurate updates regarding the Nipah virus situation from the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health.

At the same time, the Facebook page of the Department of Disease Control confirmed that the claims were untrue. The agency stated: “Fake news, do not share ‘Nipah virus has reached Thailand.’ The Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health has checked and found that no Nipah virus patients have been detected in Thailand.”

The clarification sought to calm public concern following the online rumours. Authorities reiterated that there have been no confirmed Nipah virus cases in the country to date.

Manger online reported that officials urged the public to rely on verified sources for health information and to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports. Monitoring of infectious diseases continues under standard public health procedures.

Pictures courtesy of MGR

Key Takeaways

• Authorities confirmed on 16 February 2026 that Thailand has not recorded any Nipah virus cases.

• A suspected case at Siriraj Hospital was confirmed as parainfluenza, not Nipah virus.

• Officials urged the public not to share unverified information circulating on social media.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 17 Feb 2026

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Yet they continue to let in Indians (where there are cases) visa free on mass - and a large majority of them heading to Pattaya, where the intention will be not to be socially distance.

Way too much fear mongering on this story...Thais love a good virus drama. No one else is afraid but them...I do wonder why this is? Indians certainly aren't afraid and they're setting the record straight. The 2023 Nipah outbreak in Kerala was much worse...why then the drama surrounding these 2 nurses in India?