Bangkok: Thailand faces a very low risk from the Hantavirus, a disease that has been present in the country for over 40-50 years, as revealed by Professor Yong Poovorawan, MD, Royal Academician of Thailand and a faculty member at Chulalongkorn University.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Yong posted on Facebook addressing the question, "Is Hantavirus disease frightening for Thailand?" He explained that Hantavirus is an RNA virus, primarily hosted by rats and rodents. This virus is found worldwide and is categorized into two groups based on symptoms. The first group presents symptoms akin to dengue fever and kidney issues, common in Asia and Europe. The second group exhibits respiratory or lung symptoms, more prevalent in the Americas, particularly South America.
Transmission occurs through inhaling dust contaminated with rat droppings, contact with rat excrement, and rat bites. Person-to-person transmission is rare, except for a strain found in South America. Symptoms of Hantavirus include high fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Severe cases may lead to kidney failure, bleeding similar to dengue fever, pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure. The current strain highlighted in recent news has a mortality rate of 30-40%.
In Thailand, there is historical evidence of Hantavirus and antibodies in both rats and humans. The virus or its genetic material has been identified in several rodent species, especially rats like voles. Antibody levels have been tested in populations exposed to rats or working in agriculture. Although hantavirus disease in Thailand is rare, and the strains found differ from previous cases, the risk remains very low. Despite the virus's long-standing presence in the country, it is not deemed a significant concern.