The Department of Disease Control has ordered close surveillance of the "Nipah virus" following India's confirmation of additional cases. It has reinforced strict traveler screening measures and stressed that no cases have yet been found in Thailand. The public is urged not to panic and advised to avoid fruits with bite marks and contact with sick animals.
On 23 January 2026, Dr. Montien Kanasawat, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, revealed that according to reports on the outbreak of Nipah virus infection in India, there are now a total of 5 confirmed cases, up from 2 previously. The 3 new cases were detected early this week. Indian authorities are intensifying disease control measures, quarantining and monitoring over 180 close contacts in West Bengal state, and increasing surveillance rigorously in the area.
The Department of Disease Control has assigned the Epidemiology Division, which serves as Thailand's International Health Regulations National Focal Point (IHR-NFP), to closely coordinate with the World Health Organization (WHO) and related agencies to monitor the situation. They are assessing risks and preparing surveillance readiness. Thailand is implementing traveler screening measures; anyone arriving with a high fever or symptoms consistent with Nipah virus infection will undergo additional screening at international disease control checkpoints to evaluate symptoms and follow established procedures immediately.
The Director-General added, "Nipah virus infection is a highly severe zoonotic disease that can cause neurological symptoms and has a relatively high fatality rate. Currently, Thailand has not reported any human cases but continues close monitoring. It is classified as a dangerous communicable disease under the Communicable Disease Act of 2015, which mandates immediate reporting upon suspicion of a case."
Infected individuals may experience a range from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory infection and encephalitis that can be fatal. Patients usually first show fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat before neurological symptoms develop, such as drowsiness, altered consciousness, and acute encephalitis. Some may also develop pneumonia and severe respiratory failure.
In severe cases, seizures and coma may occur within 24 to 48 hours. Most survivors of acute encephalitis recover well; however, about 20 percent suffer long-term neurological effects, such as epilepsy or personality changes. Nipah virus can be transmitted through several routes:
1. From animals to humans: Direct contact with secretions (saliva, urine, feces, blood) from infected animals, particularly fruit bats (primary reservoir) and pigs (intermediate hosts).
2. Through contaminated food: Eating fruit with bite marks made by bats or drinking sap from coconut or date palm flowers contaminated with bat saliva, urine, or feces.
3. From person to person: Close contact with secretions of infected individuals, such as saliva or sputum, commonly seen among caregivers or healthcare workers.
Dr. Direk Khamphaen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, added that the incubation period typically ranges from 4 to 14 days after exposure, though it can be up to 45 days in some cases. The public can protect themselves against Nipah virus infection by:
1. Frequently washing hands with soap and water after contact with animals or visiting high-risk areas.
2. Avoiding fruits with bite marks or those found on the ground, and thoroughly washing fruits before eating.
3. Avoiding direct contact with sick animals such as bats or pigs, and promptly reporting any unusual deaths of animals to local authorities.
4. Cooking food thoroughly and avoiding drinking fresh juice collected directly from trees or eating fruit with animal bite marks. If someone has traveled to high-risk areas or forested regions with bat droppings and exhibits symptoms suspicious for Nipah virus infection, they should see a doctor and inform medical personnel about their risk history for timely diagnosis. For more information, contact the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.