The Ministry of Public Health has announced a significant enhancement in public health surveillance measures by adding "Hantavirus Disease" to the list of dangerous communicable diseases to prevent outbreaks and improve disease control effectiveness.
On 15 May 2026, a ministerial regulation under the Communicable Diseases Act of 2015 was issued based on the Ministry of Public Health’s announcement on the name and key symptoms of dangerous communicable diseases (No. 5) 2026, officially designating "Hantavirus Disease" as Thailand’s 14th dangerous communicable disease.
Hantavirus in Thailand: Timeline for enforcement
Published in the Government Gazette: Volume 143, Special Issue 120 Ng, on 15 May 2026
Effective date: From 16 May 2026 onwards
Hantavirus in Thailand is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, primarily by rodents such as field and house rats. The virus spreads through contact with secretions, urine, feces, or by inhaling contaminated dust particles. The Ministry of Public Health emphasizes monitoring the following key symptoms:
Respiratory symptoms including high fever, muscle pain, and possible sudden pulmonary edema.
Hemorrhagic fever symptoms combined with kidney issues such as fever, chills, headache, and acute renal failure.
Designating it as the 14th dangerous communicable disease empowers disease control officers legally to
Order quarantine or isolation of suspected infected individuals.
Temporarily close locations at risk of spreading the disease.
Enforce mandatory patient or suspect reporting within 3 hours.
This declaration represents a proactive measure by the Ministry of Public Health to prepare and prevent emerging disease risks that could broadly impact the nation's health security.