BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand reported no Nipah virus infections but kept its health system on high alert with strict controls and emergency drills.
DDC confirms no Nipah cases but maintains vigilance
On 16 February, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) announced that Thailand had not detected any Nipah virus infections.
“There are currently no confirmed Nipah virus patients in Thailand,”
said Dr. Montien Kanasawat, director-general of the agency. The DDC continued to closely monitor developments abroad while intensifying domestic surveillance to detect any potential threat at an early stage.
Emergency public health plan fully activated
Although no cases had occurred, the DDC kept strict measures in place.
“We are continuing strict measures for surveillance, screening and prevention,”
said Dr. Montien. The national public health emergency plan was fully activated, covering screening systems for travellers, coordination of information between working groups, systematic disease investigations and communication with the public.
Tabletop exercise tests outbreak response
Authorities also carried out a dedicated tabletop exercise simulating a Nipah outbreak scenario. According to Dr. Montien,
“The exercise examined operational procedures, standard protocols and plans for their effectiveness in a real emergency.”
The aim was to identify and correct weaknesses in the system before any actual outbreak could occur.
Airports tighten checks on passengers from India
Particular attention was given to international travel routes. Phuket International Airport tightened health checks for passengers arriving from India, following a current Nipah outbreak in the Indian region of West Bengal. Thai health authorities placed the situation there under active monitoring, turning the country’s international airports into reinforced checkpoints against the possible importation of the virus.
Officials stress value of constant preparedness
Deputy director-general Dr. Direk Khampaen underlined the importance of continued preventive action.
“Even without patients, continuous preparedness exercises remain indispensable,”
said Dr. Direk. These drills were designed to prevent outbreaks and limit possible impacts, ensuring that only a system that regularly rehearsed emergencies could respond quickly and effectively in a real crisis.
Confidence in Thailand’s health system
The DDC reiterated its confidence in Thailand’s capacity to manage emerging health threats. Officials pointed to a robust surveillance system and a strong public health emergency mechanism as key assets.
“We are ready to integrate cooperation with all sectors to protect public health as effectively as possible,”
said a spokesperson, adding that the country stood prepared for a fight against the Nipah virus even though it had not yet reached Thai territory.