Bangkok (VNA) – Thai authorities are stepping up disease control measures at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports to screen passengers from India’s West Bengal state, where an outbreak of a disease caused by the potentially fatal Nipah virus has been confirmed.
In a statement issued on January 25, Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) said international communicable disease control teams at the three major airports have intensified screening of inbound passengers, particularly those coming from West Bengal. Measures include temperature checks and on-site health assessments for travellers showing signs of illness.
Passengers found to have high fever or symptoms suspected of Nipah virus infection will be transferred to designated isolation facilities for further examination under established protocols. In addition, all travellers from West Bengal are being issued health beware cards, which list symptoms to watch for and provide guidance on what to do if they feel unwell.
Symptoms associated with the Nipah virus include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, drowsiness, confusion and seizures. The DDC advised anyone who develops symptoms within 21 days after arrival to seek immediate medical attention and clearly report their travel history and the onset of symptoms.
People feeling unwell can contact the DDC hotline at 1422, or scan the QR code on the health beware cards to report their condition. The hotline operates daily from 8am to 8pm.
Meanwhile, the DDC has issued advisories for Thai citizens planning to travel to India for tourism or pilgrimage, urging them to closely follow official health updates, avoid outbreak areas unless necessary, and strictly observe preventive measures.
Travellers are advised to avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, thoroughly wash fruit before consumption, and wash hands with soap after contact with animals, meat or animal carcasses, particularly bats, pigs, horses, cats, goats and sheep.
Thai authorities stressed that anyone returning from India who experiences symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue or cough should promptly visit a medical facility for examination and timely treatment./.
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