The Epidemiology Division of the Department of Disease Control reveals surveillance guidelines. Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS). The disease is transmitted by ticks; Thailand is at risk of new cases. Currently, patients are distributed across six provinces, with preparations in place to intensify disease detection and prevent future outbreaks.
On 12 September 2026, the Facebook page ofthe Epidemiology Division of the Department of Disease Controlposted surveillance and investigation guidelines for SFTS. It emphasized that if SFTS is found or suspected, immediate surveillance, investigation, sample collection, and disease control should be conducted according to the Epidemiology Division’s protocols for rapid detection, response, and prevention.
It states that Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) is caused by infection with the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), an RNA virus in the Bandavirus genus and Phenuiviridae family, transmitted by ticks. The incubation period averages 9 days (range 4–15 days). Patients typically have sudden high fever along with low platelet and white blood cell counts, and may develop complications such as acute kidney failure, myocarditis, meningitis and encephalitis, and mucosal bleeding.
This disease is common in East Asian countries including China, South Korea, and Japan, with a fatality rate between 2.7% and 55.7%. In Thailand, the first SFTS case was reported in 2019, with the latest case in June 2025. Currently, six cases have been reported across six provinces: Bangkok (2 cases), Phetchabun (2 cases), Nakhon Pathom (1 case), and Chachoengsao (1 case).
Several risk factors in Thailand may facilitate disease spread, including environments suitable for tick breeding, contact with pets, importation of pets from abroad, and travel to outbreak areas. Therefore, Thailand faces risks of new cases or localized outbreaks. Strengthening the surveillance and detection system for SFTS, along with preparedness for investigation, control, and prevention, is essential to limit spread and reduce potential impacts.
Further details can be read here (click)