BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has instructed the Ministry of Public Health to closely monitor the global Ebola situation after recent international developments and emphasized that there are currently no reported cases or outbreaks in Thailand. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan announced the government ordered heightened vigilance after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The Ministry of Public Health has been directed to screen and implement strict surveillance protocols.
The deputy spokesperson explained that Ebola is a severe viral infection transmitted through direct contact with blood or body fluids of infected individuals, such as saliva, vomit, or feces, especially from severely ill patients. Transmission mainly occurs among family members, healthcare workers, or those handling the bodies of deceased victims. The virus is not airborne and does not spread through the air like measles or COVID-19.
The spokesperson noted early Ebola symptoms can mimic common seasonal illnesses, including high fever, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting, with some cases showing abnormal bleeding. While the disease has a high mortality rate if untreated, its distinct clinical signs allow public health officials to conduct effective contact tracing, isolation, and containment more efficiently than with airborne pathogens.
The government has instructed the Ministry of Public Health to coordinate with the border and immigration sectors to review healthcare readiness. This includes preparing isolation units, personal protective equipment, and specialized laboratory diagnostics to manage potential suspected cases. The public is advised to rely on official medical disclosures, avoid spreading alarmist information, and maintain standard personal hygiene. (NNT)
