Thailand health officials say there have been no confirmed cases of the Nipah virus in the country, but enhanced passenger health screening is taking place.
The Ministry of Public Health acknowledged heightened concern over Nipah virus and passenger checks will take place at Thailand airports.
Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr Sophon Iamsirithaworn said Nipah is classified as a dangerous communicable disease.
Outbreaks have so far centered on Bangladesh and West Bengal in India.
“Although these areas are geographically distant from Thailand, close monitoring is necessary due to direct flights arriving at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports,” he said.
The Thailand Department of Disease Control has started screening travellers on direct flights from these regions.
No confirmed infections have been detected yet.
“Passengers arriving from high-risk areas are also required to complete documentation under the Communicable Diseases Act and contact the Disease Control hotline at 1422 should symptoms develop.”
Currently, the health ministry classifies an outbreak risk at a low-level yellow alert.
