KUALA LUMPUR - Thailand will require travellers arriving from or transiting through the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to undergo quarantine for at least 21 days under stricter Ebola prevention measures.
Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Disease Control Montien Kanasawadse said the decision followed the World Health Organisation’s declaration on May 17 that the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda was a public health emergency of international concern.
He said the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which no approved vaccine or official treatment is currently available.
Montien added that the worsening situation in the DRC had prompted several countries to tighten monitoring of travellers from high-risk areas.
Thailand has also strengthened health screening procedures for travellers arriving from Ebola-affected countries.
As of May 22, Thailand recorded 10 travellers arriving from affected areas, including eight from Uganda and two from the DRC.
All travellers were screened upon arrival and showed no symptoms of illness.
Health authorities have ordered all 10 travellers to remain under observation and report their health condition continuously for 21 days.
Montien advised Thai citizens planning to travel to countries declared dangerous communicable disease zones, especially the DRC and Uganda, to closely monitor the situation and avoid unnecessary travel.
He also urged travellers who must visit the affected countries to strictly follow health guidelines.
Anyone returning to Thailand who develops fever or unusual symptoms has been advised to seek immediate medical attention and inform doctors about their recent travel history.
Montien said the Department of Disease Control had submitted proposed guidelines on isolation, quarantine and monitoring measures to the technical committee under the Communicable Diseases Act on May 22.
The committee agreed on four key measures to strengthen Ebola prevention efforts.
Travellers arriving from or transiting through Uganda without symptoms will be placed under close monitoring and required to report to disease control officers for at least 21 days.
Those arriving from or transiting through the DRC will be quarantined at designated facilities for at least 21 days even if they show no symptoms, as the country is considered a high-risk outbreak area.
Travellers from Uganda or the DRC who show symptoms linked to Ebola will be isolated at designated medical facilities for at least 21 days.
The Department of Disease Control said it would continue monitoring the outbreak and adjust Thailand’s measures according to the latest risk assessment.
The department is also preparing discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review the measures from an international and diplomatic perspective.
Officials said the discussions are aimed at ensuring Thailand’s disease prevention measures remain effective and in line with global developments.
“The Department of Disease Control confirms that Thailand is ready to conduct surveillance, prevention and response operations for public health emergencies,” Montien said.
He added that the measures would continue to be adjusted according to the situation to maintain public confidence and health safety.
