Thailand Tightens Hantavirus Checks for Travelers From 13 South American Countries
Updated
Updated · Daily Star · May 13
Thailand Tightens Hantavirus Checks for Travelers From 13 South American Countries
2 articles · Updated · Daily Star · May 13
Thailand has revived pandemic-style airport screening, requiring anyone who visited 13 South American countries in the past six weeks to file a T.8 health declaration before immigration.
The checks began May 11 after the hantavirus crisis escalated, even though Thailand has recorded no cases, with officials framing the move as a precaution to catch infections early and reassure travelers.
Screeners at airports are looking for fever above 38C and symptoms including headache, muscle aches, fatigue, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or breathing difficulties.
The system restores COVID-era procedures on a narrower basis, including online submissions through official channels such as the AOT app and QR-code checks before passport control.
Why is Thailand reviving pandemic rules for a virus the WHO calls a low global risk?
Could the deadly Andes hantavirus, with its human-to-human spread, become the next pandemic?
Are new mRNA vaccines our only hope against the Hantavirus before it spreads further?