Narumon, Minister of Education, expressed concern about the Nipah virus situation and is preparing to issue guidelines to prevent its spread in schools according to international public health standards, emphasizing personal hygiene.
28 Jan 2026 GMT+7 Mrs. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Education (MOE). She revealed after the Cabinet meeting on 27 Jan 2026, regarding measures to monitor the Nipah virus in schools as directed by the Prime Minister, who emphasized comprehensive surveillance by all ministries, that today's meeting focused intensively on this issue with the Director-General of the Department of Disease Control providing detailed information and engaging in thorough discussion.
Narumon stated that due to the Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India, since 12 Jan, with local infections and deaths, the Cabinet seriously discussed monitoring the virus's spread. The Director-General of the Department of Disease Control reported that no cases have been detected in Thailand so far, and none had been found previously. However, vigilance is necessary as Nipah is classified as a dangerous communicable disease under the Communicable Disease Act of 2015, known for its high severity and resurgence since its first discovery in 1998.
"The Prime Minister has instructed all ministries to prepare for comprehensive monitoring because this virus transmits from animals to humans, especially bats, pigs, horses, cats, goats, and sheep. Although no cases have been reported in Thailand, close surveillance remains essential since there are no treatments or vaccines. The Ministry of Education plans to issue preventive guidelines for its agencies and schools following the Ministry of Public Health's standards to ensure the safety of students, officials, teachers, and educational staff. Initially, everyone is advised to take care of themselves by avoiding contact with reservoir and carrier animals, thoroughly washing fruits before consumption, and avoiding contact with sick animals, meat, or carcasses, especially bats, pigs, horses, cats, goats, and sheep. Importantly, maintain personal hygiene by frequent handwashing with soap. Anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms such as high fever, headache should see a doctor immediately."
According to the Ministry of Public Health, the Nipah virus can spread through various routes: from animals to humans via direct contact with infected animals; from human to human through close contact with patients’ bodily secretions such as mucus, saliva, or blood; and by consuming fruit juice contaminated by bats due to unsanitary collection methods. The incubation period ranges from 4 to 14 days, potentially up to 45 days. Symptoms vary in severity and include high fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, cough, and shortness of breath.