"Department of Disease Control" is the translation of the agency name.It has ordered intensified surveillance at international disease control checkpoints following a warning from WHO."Hantavirus" is the disease being monitored.On cruise ships, officials emphasize screening travelers from high-risk areas and eliminating disease carriers on ships every time they dock, stressing that no outbreak has been found in Thailand.
On 9 May 2026, Dr. Montien Kanasawat, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, stated that although Thailand has not yet reported any Hantavirus infections, the department has instructed all international disease control checkpoints to strengthen surveillance, screening, and monitoring of travelers from abroad, especially those from high-risk areas. Measures have also been stepped up for close monitoring of cruise ships and international vehicles.
The Department of Disease Control emphasized key measures including risk assessment of entry and exit points, thorough health data checks of passengers and crew before allowing docking, and strict monitoring of suspected infectious disease cases on ships. Every cruise ship must undergo detailed evaluation.
Additionally, they have ordered environmental sanitation measures and elimination of disease carriers on ships each time they dock, especially those arriving from high-risk areas. They screen for illness symptoms and conduct detailed risk history interviews with travelers from countries where this strain is present, such as South America. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is also prepared sufficiently for staff on duty.
Dr. Montien added that Hantavirus infection is transmitted from rodents to humans through contact with urine, feces, or secretions contaminated in the environment. Generally, it does not spread as easily as common respiratory diseases. Therefore, the public need not panic but should closely follow updates from public health authorities.
The Department of Disease Control confirms that Thailand has a health emergency surveillance and response system ready to act immediately if any risk arises. They urge people returning from abroad who develop high fever, muscle pain, or unusual shortness of breath after contact with rodents or traveling from risk areas to promptly see a doctor and inform them of travel and exposure history to ensure timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment. For further inquiries, contact the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.
