Dr. Yong: Thailand has had Hantavirus for over 40-50 years; risk is low.

Khaosod•Society•4d ago

Reader Briefing

Expert confirms Hantavirus has been present in Thailand for decades with minimal risk.

•Hantavirus has been present in Thailand for over 40-50 years, according to Dr. Yong Poovaravan.
•The risk of Hantavirus infection in Thailand is considered very low and not a cause for concern.
•Evidence of the virus and antibodies has been found in Thai rodents and humans.

•Dr. Yong Poovaravan posted on May 10, 2026, regarding Hantavirus.
•Dr. Yong Poovaravan stated that "Thailand has had Hantavirus for more than 40-50 years, but the risk is considered very low and not a cause for concern."
•Hantavirus is an RNA virus transmitted by rodents, with human infection typically occurring through inhalation of contaminated dust or contact with rodent excretions.
•The virus is found globally and can cause Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) or Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
•The Andes strain of Hantavirus, currently in the news, has a mortality rate of 30-40%.
•While the virus is present in Thailand, the strains found are different from the more severe ones and have been endemic for decades.
•Dr. Yong Poovaravan previously distinguished Hantavirus from Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Leptospirosis due to overlapping symptoms.
•Evidence of hantavirus and antibodies in rodents (especially Bandicota indica) and some human populations, particularly those with rodent exposure, has been found in Thailand.

Full article content is available on the original source.

นพ. ยง ภู่วรวรรณ

"Thailand has had Hantavirus for more than 40-50 years, but the risk is considered very low and not a cause for concern."

ประเทศไทย เคยพบ ไวรัสฮันตา มีมานานแล้วมากกว่า 40-50 ปี แต่ความเสี่ยงถือว่าต่ำมาก ไม่เป็นที่น่าวิตกกังวลแต่อย่างใด

นพ. ยง ภู่วรวรรณ

"Is Hantavirus frightening for Thailand?"

โรคไวรัสฮันตา (Hantavirus) น่ากลัวไหมสำหรับประเทศไทย

นพ. ยง ภู่วรวรรณ

"Thailand has previously found evidence of Hantavirus and antibodies in both rodents and humans."

ประเทศไทย “เคยพบ” หลักฐานของไวรัสฮันตาและแอนติบอดีต่อเชื้อในทั้งหนูและมนุษย์

Dr. Yong Poovaravan(นพ.ยง ภู่วรวรรณ)ℹ️

Thai virologist and Royal Society fellow who provided insights on Hantavirus in Thailand.

Thailand(ประเทศไทย)ℹ️

The country where Hantavirus has been endemic for decades with a low-risk profile.

South Koreaℹ️

The country where the Hantavirus was first discovered, named after the Hantan River.

Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University(คณะแพทยศาสตร์ จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย)ℹ️

The academic institution where Dr. Yong Poovaravan is associated.

Bandicota indica(หนูพุก)ℹ️

A species of rodent found in Thailand that has tested positive for hantavirus.