The government warns of a twofold rise in hepatitis A cases this summer and advises eating thoroughly cooked food, drinking clean water, and avoiding ice to prevent clustered outbreaks.
On 20 April 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatthana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the government, through the Ministry of Public Health, is closely monitoring the hepatitis A situation. Surveillance data shows a continuous rise in cases, about twice as high as the same period last year, concentrated in central and eastern regions such as Bangkok, Chonburi, Rayong, and Chanthaburi. This signals a risk of cluster outbreaks during the summer season.
Ms. Lalida explained that hepatitis A is a contagious disease transmitted through contaminated food and water entering the body via the fecal-oral route. It is often found in undercooked food, drinking water, or substandard ice. Early symptoms may be subtle, like fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea, before more obvious signs such as yellowing of the skin and eyes and dark urine appear. Some infected individuals may be asymptomatic but still contagious.
The incubation period averages about 28 days, meaning many patients do not know the source of infection. The virus can spread before symptoms appear, making disease control challenging, especially in areas where people consume food from multiple sources.
The government has instructed public health agencies to intensify proactive case finding, monitor for cluster outbreaks, and enforce strict food and water safety inspections to control the situation early and prevent widespread transmission.
For the public, the key is prevention: consume fully cooked food, drink clean water, avoid ice or questionable food, and always wash hands before eating.
"Hepatitis A is preventable if risks are minimized from the start. We urge the public to be extra cautious during summer to collectively reduce transmission and protect their own and their families' health," she concluded.