Thailand Screens South American Arrivals for Hantavirus Symptoms
Thailand Screens South American Arrivals for Hantavirus Symptoms
BANGKOK, May 12, 2026 — Thailand has intensified health screening measures for travellers arriving from 13 South American countries amid global monitoring of hantavirus infections, although authorities said no cases have been detected in the country.
Department of Disease Control Director-General Montien Khanasawat visited Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday to inspect new protocols introduced a day earlier.
Under the measures, travellers who have visited any of the targeted South American countries within the previous six weeks are required to report to disease control officers before passing through immigration checkpoints.
Authorities said travellers must complete a T.8 health declaration form and answer questions regarding symptoms and possible exposure risks.
Passengers displaying fever above 38 degrees Celsius or symptoms including headache, muscle pain, nausea or breathing difficulties, combined with relevant exposure history, will be referred to the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute for further diagnosis and possible isolation or quarantine.
DDC Deputy Director-General Direk Khampaen said all checkpoint officers had been instructed to strictly screen travellers arriving from affected regions.
Thailand operates 74 international disease control checkpoints nationwide, including 17 at airports, 18 at seaports and 39 along land borders.
Since May 9, authorities have screened 470 travellers arriving from South America, averaging about 157 passengers per day, with no infections detected so far.
Officials said Suvarnabhumi Airport recorded the highest number of arrivals from South America with 371 travellers, followed by Chiang Mai International Airport, Don Mueang International Airport and Phuket International Airport.
Thai health authorities advised people returning from high-risk areas to seek immediate medical attention if they develop high fever or respiratory symptoms after potential exposure to rodents or affected environments.
Officials said travellers should inform healthcare workers about their travel history and possible animal contact to facilitate rapid diagnosis and treatment.
