The heightened vigilance follows recent reports of Nipah cases in India’s eastern state of West Bengal, prompting health authorities here to strengthen monitoring across healthcare and transport sectors, reports the Bangkok Post.
In response, the ministry has instructed all relevant agencies to enhance disease surveillance, review clinical treatment protocols, and ensure sufficient stocks of medical supplies and protective equipment.
Dr Nattapong Wongwiwat, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, said Thailand’s healthcare system is well prepared to manage potential cases.
Speaking after an inspection visit to Rajavithi Hospital in Bangkok last week, he said infrastructure upgrades made during the COVID-19 pandemic have left the country in a strong position.
“These include expanded intensive care units, additional wards for severe cases, and advanced air-purification systems, all of which remain in good condition and ready for immediate use,” Dr Nattapong said.
He added that no medical services would be disrupted, as hospitals have business continuity and surge capacity plans in place.
“This situation serves as a reminder to test our preparedness systems and ensure they function effectively when activated,” he said. “There is no cause for concern at this time, as no confirmed cases have been found in Thailand.”
Dr Nattapong reiterated that basic hygiene practices - such as frequent handwashing and wearing masks - remain the most effective preventive measures.
Travel alerts have been issued for passengers arriving from outbreak-affected areas, while health declaration forms are now mandatory for travellers from high-risk countries.
Passengers who develop a fever after staying in risk zones must present a “fit-to-fly” medical certificate before travelling, while patients from affected areas seeking medical treatment in Thailand are required to submit a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result for the Nipah virus.
Nipah is a rare but highly fatal zoonotic virus that can cause severe respiratory illness and encephalitis.
According to the Department of Disease Control, between 1998 and 2024, there were 754 confirmed human cases globally, resulting in 435 deaths, a case fatality rate of 58%. India recorded the highest fatality rate at 73%, followed by Bangladesh (71%), the Philippines (53%), Malaysia (39%), and Singapore (9%).
Scientific studies show the virus can survive in the environment for up to three days but is easily inactivated by soap, detergents, and disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite.
Nipah also has a relatively low reproduction rate, with one infected person transmitting the virus to an average of 0.48 others. By comparison, Sars and Mers have reproduction numbers of around 2.5, Sars-CoV-2 ranges from 2.5 to 5.7, and measles spreads at a rate of 13 to 18.
From 2015 to 2025, Thailand tested 478 encephalitis patients for the Nipah virus, with no positive cases detected.
Dr Tawee Chotpitayasunondh, President of the Influenza Foundation of Thailand, cautioned against unnecessary laboratory testing, noting that supplies of PCR reagents are limited and currently sufficient for about 200 cases. He said testing should be reserved for patients under investigation, in line with Department of Medical Services guidelines.
“The Nipah virus is a reminder that we must remain prepared for future outbreaks,” Dr Tawee said. “The COVID-19 pandemic taught us valuable lessons, and this situation helps keep our response systems active and ready.”
Currently, no antiviral treatment has been definitively proven effective against Nipah virus infection. However, studies suggest ribavirin may reduce mortality by up to 36% in acute Nipah encephalitis cases and improve neurological outcomes. Favipiravir has shown protective effects in animal studies, while remdesivir has demonstrated partial protection against lethal infection in African green monkeys.
Meanwhile, Thai Airways International has sought to reassure passengers and investors that the outbreak has had no impact on its India routes. The airline said it remains on track with its expansion plan targeting around 10% growth.
Kittiphong Sansomboon, Chief Commercial Officer of Thai Airways International, said on Friday that the outbreak was confined to limited areas, including the city of Kozhikode and nearby towns, far from the major Indian cities served by the airline. He said there has been no impact on flight operations or passenger demand.
Nevertheless, the airline has implemented enhanced screening and hygiene measures in line with public health guidelines. Under its upcoming summer schedule, Thai Airways plans to increase flights to India to 91 per week across seven cities, reflecting confidence in the market’s long-term resilience.
Separately, Airports of Thailand (AOT) said it has introduced proactive screening measures at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket airports.
AOT President Paweena Jariyathitipong said the enhanced measures were implemented several days before widespread media coverage and include segregated gates, intensive arrival screening, and rapid disinfection procedures.