Potential deadly virus in Pattaya originating in India - No problems reported - yet

[Gaybutton]

First, I wish to make it clear that as of the time of this post, NO cases have been reported in Pattaya.

This is a very dangerous disease. There is no known vaccine and no specific medication for it. If you experience any symptoms I urge you to seek medical help immediately.

I, for one, will be keeping well away from the local demographics where the possibility of catching this disease would be most likely.

Please be very careful. Obviously this is one disease you don't want.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

According to Google:

Nipah virus (NiV) symptoms typically appear
4 to 14 days after exposure, though an incubation period as long as 45 days has been reported. The illness often progresses from mild flu-like signs to life-threatening neurological conditions.
1. Early Symptoms (Days 1–14)
Initial signs are often non-specific and resemble a sudden flu-like illness:

Fever: Often high and sudden.
Severe Headache: A common early indicator.
Muscle Pain (Myalgia): Accompanied by severe weakness or fatigue.
Respiratory Issues: Sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Nausea, vomiting, and occasionally diarrhea.

2. Severe Neurological Symptoms
As the infection progresses, it often attacks the central nervous system, leading to encephalitis (brain inflammation). This phase can be rapid, with patients potentially falling into a coma within 24 to 48 hours.

Altered Consciousness: Drowsiness, disorientation, or mental confusion.
Neurological Signs: Dizziness, slurred speech, and an unstable gait.
Seizures: Persistent convulsions are common in severe cases.

Brainstem Dysfunction: This may include abnormal pupil reflexes or rapid heart rate (tachycardia).

3. Severe Respiratory Complications
In some outbreaks, respiratory symptoms are more dominant and severe:

Atypical Pneumonia: Serious lung inflammation.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Severe lung failure that requires mechanical ventilation.

4. Long-Term Effects and Relapse
Approximately 20% of survivors experience lingering neurological consequences:

Persistent Seizure Disorders: Ongoing epilepsy.
Personality & Behavioral Changes: Including depression or irritability.
Relapse Encephalitis: A unique feature where the virus remains dormant and causes a new, sometimes fatal, brain inflammation months or even years after the initial recovery.
__________________________________________________________________

How the virus is transmitted

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, meaning it
primarily spreads from animals to humans, though it can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people.
Animal-to-Human Transmission
Direct contact with infected animals is the most common cause of initial "spillover" events into human populations.

Fruit Bats
: The natural reservoir for the virus is fruit bats
(flying foxes) of the Pteropus genus. Humans can be infected through direct contact with bat saliva, urine, or excreta.
Intermediate Hosts: The virus can infect domestic animals like pigs
, horses
, goats
, sheep
, cats
, and dogs
. In the first recorded outbreak in Malaysia (1999), most human cases resulted from unprotected contact with sick pigs
or their contaminated tissues.

Contaminated Food
People can become infected by consuming products contaminated by infected bats.

Date Palm Sap: Drinking raw, unpasteurized date palm sap is a major risk factor in Bangladesh and India, as bats often urinate or drool into the open collection pots overnight.
Fruit: Eating fruits that have been partially eaten or licked by infected bats (such as guavas or bananas) can transmit the virus.

Human-to-Human Transmission
Once a person is infected, they can spread the virus to others through close contact with their bodily fluids.

Bodily Fluids: Transmission occurs through direct contact with an infected person's blood, urine, saliva, or respiratory secretions.
Respiratory Droplets: The virus can spread via droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
High-Risk Groups: This type of spread is most common among family members, caregivers, and healthcare workers in hospital settings (nosocomial transmission).

Key Prevention Tips (2026 Update)
Following recent reports of cases in West Bengal, India, in January 2026, health authorities recommend the following:

Avoid Raw Sap: Do not drink raw date palm sap; boiling it kills the virus.
Inspect Fruit: Avoid eating fruit that shows signs of bat bites or has fallen to the ground.
Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water after contact with animals or sick individuals.
Protection: Use personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves if caring for a suspected patient.
___________________________________________________________________

Pattaya Tourism Remains Steady Despite Nipah Virus Outbreak Concerns in India

January 24, 2026

January 24th, 2026 – Despite recent reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in India bringing heightened health alerts and containment measures, the popular tourist hotspot of Pattaya continues to see steady visitor numbers, with the atmosphere on key entertainment streets remaining lively and business as usual.

On January 23rd, 2026, international news outlets reported urgent efforts by Indian authorities to control the spread of the Nipah virus (NiV), a zoonotic pathogen known for its high fatality rate. Several confirmed cases, including among healthcare workers in West Bengal, have led to quarantines of over 100 individuals and nationwide monitoring, though no full nationwide lockdown has been imposed. The virus, which can cause severe respiratory illness and encephalitis, has raised global concerns due to its severity and lack of specific vaccines or treatments.

On the ground in Pattaya, however, the impact appears limited so far. A reporter visiting Walking Street in South Pattaya on January 24th observed a continuous flow of tourists. The area, one of the city’s main nightlife and entertainment zones, was bustling as usual, with a noticeable presence of Indian visitors among the diverse international crowd.

Local motorcycle taxi driver Mr. Chatchai Khumchum, 39, who operates in the tourist-heavy districts, shared his mixed feelings about the situation. While aware of the news from India and expressing concern, he stated the necessity of continuing his work to support his livelihood amid the influx of visitors from various nationalities.

“I was really shocked when I heard about the virus measures and outbreak in India,” Mr. Chatchai said. “Pattaya has a lot of Indian tourists, so of course I’m worried about potential disease spread. But I still have to earn a living. I’m taking care of myself by wearing a mask, washing my hands frequently, eating hot food, and using separate utensils to reduce any risk.”

He urged both residents and business operators in Pattaya to prioritize personal health precautions, stay informed through reliable sources, particularly official government channels, and remain vigilant in case the situation evolves in ways that could affect tourism or public safety in the area.

While fears of imported cases linger among some locals dependent on tourism, Pattaya’s streets show no signs of slowdown, reflecting the resilience of the destination even amid distant global health developments. Authorities continue to monitor the Nipah situation closely as part of broader infectious disease preparedness.

https://thepattayanews.com/2026/01/24/p ... -in-india/

[Jun]

1 From the list above, I'd think my risk of infection is minimal. Air droplets from those revolting Indian tourists would perhaps be the highest risk factor.
However, the nearest I get to them is on the Songthaew through the Indian ghetto. I'm usually wearing a face mask then, as the Songthaew exhaust fumes going up the hill can be horrific.

2 Whilst it's good to be aware of this, I expect it will be well down the list of things likely to cause premature death among board members
The things more likely to lead to an early death here include road traffic accidents, air pollution and excess eating/drinking.

Although with Tedros still in charge of the WHO, expect an idiotic and incompetent response, just like with Covid.
A reminder:
Back in Jan 2020, when almost all the Covid cases were in China, he opposed travel bans. Delay the spread and fewer people would have died whilst vaccines were under development.
Then, once the horse had bolted and most countries had COVID, they recommended travel bans.
Which were stupidly still in place when all the high risk population had had the option of vaccines.

[Gaybutton]

I expect it will be well down the list of things likely to cause premature death among board members

If it's on the list at all, no matter how far down, that's too much for me. A disease with a very high mortality rate, with no cure, no vaccine, and no effective medication - I don't want to be anywhere near someone with even the potential of transmitting it to me.

Do you really think a mask is good enough protection to rely on in the face of a virus like this? Not me. And for sure I wouldn't be on a songthaew with any of them. I'd be on a motorbike taxi instead.

I, for one, am not about to consider myself at minimal risk. Maybe I am, but I don't want to find out the hard way that whoops, I was wrong. Whatever I end up dying from, I don't intend to let this disease be what kills me without doing everything practical to try to avoid it. I have no need to be around those people - so I won't be.

[Jun]

5 cases in West Bengal in 2026.

Compared with 116 cases in India in 2001. I suggest worrying about something else.

[Gaybutton]

If you want to just shrug it off, go ahead. Not me and not this board. When something like this appears in the media, it would be irresponsible of me not to post it so that people are aware of it and can make their own decisions. But I'm not about to tell people they should just ignore it and I'm not going to ignore it either.

Thailand is taking it seriously and so am I.
_________________________________________

Thai tourist destinations on alert for Nipah virus

Phuket airport steps up monitoring of travellers from India, Pattaya residents concerned

by Achadthaya Chuenniran and Amporn Sangkaew

January 24, 2026

Phuket International Airport has stepped up health surveillance of passengers arriving from India following reports of a Nipah virus outbreak there, while concerns have also emerged among residents and workers in Pattaya, a major tourist destination for Indian visitors.

Airport director Monchai Tanode said on Saturday that he had been briefed by the airport’s quarantine checkpoint staff about the Nipah virus situation in India.

Officials are seeking guidance from the Department of Disease Control on whether additional measures will be imposed at immigration checkpoints nationwide, according to the quarantine chief at the Phuket airport.

Phuket airport currently handles between 10,000 and 20,000 arriving passengers per day. Travellers from India rank third among foreign arrivals to the southern island. Total passenger traffic, including departures, averages 30,000 to 40,000 daily.

Mr Monchai said health officials were observing passengers arriving from India, particularly from eastern regions such as Kolkata in West Bengal, where the outbreak was reported recently.

The airport is also coordinating with hospitals in Phuket and neighbouring Phangnga to identify whether any Indian passengers have sought medical treatment for symptoms that may be consistent with Nipah infection. Initial symptoms may resemble those of a common flu.

Authorities are also paying special attention to medical evacuation flights carrying patients from India. International communicable disease officials would closely observe such cases, said Mr Monchai.

In the beach town of Pattaya in Chon Buri, some residents and workers have expressed concern following media reports that India has confirmed five Nipah cases and has quarantined nearly 100 people in West Bengal state.

On the Walking Street in South Pattaya, a major nightlife hub popular among visitors from around the world, including many Indians, activity was normal on Saturday, with no special preventive measures observed.

Chatchai Khumchum, 39, a hired vehicle driver, told the Bangkok Post that he was worried but had no choice to continue working with passengers of all nationalities, including Indian tourists. He was alarmed by news of lockdown measures in India as Pattaya hosted a large number of Indian tourists.

As a precaution, he said, he was wearing a face mask, washing his hands frequently and eating only freshly cooked food.

Some residents said they were alarmed by the news, fearing a situation similar to the Covid-19 pandemic, while others remained unconcerned.

Health experts have emphasised that Nipah virus does not spread through respiratory droplets like Covid-19. It is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans through contact with the urine or bodily fluids of infected hosts, primarily fruit bats. Secondary hosts may include pigs, horses, cats, goats and sheep.

Human-to-human transmission is also possible through direct contact with the blood, saliva or bodily fluids of infected people.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ipah-virus

[Jun]

Health experts have emphasised that Nipah virus does not spread through respiratory droplets like Covid-19. It is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans through contact with the urine or bodily fluids of infected hosts, primarily fruit bats. Secondary hosts may include pigs, horses, cats, goats and sheep.

Human-to-human transmission is also possible through direct contact with the blood, saliva or bodily fluids of infected people.

Doesn't the first part of that contradict the opening post?
This version of the story would make infection even less likely.

[Gaybutton]

This version of the story would make infection even less likely.

I'm not going to debate about this. If you're not concerned about it, fine with me. I'm neither afraid of it nor ready to hit the panic button just yet, but I am concerned about it, intend to avoid risk as much as practical, and will be keeping an eye on it as best as I can. Everyone else - decide for yourselves.

At the moment, the disease seems to be confined to India and has not appeared in Thailand. My belief - without any supporting evidence - is all it would take is one case in Thailand, and then it will spread.

I'm going to leave it at that until there is further publicity about it.

[Jun]

You posted it. I'm thinking about it.

Human-to-human transmission is also possible through direct contact with the blood, saliva or bodily fluids of infected people.

Like most board members, I'm already avoiding getting that close to Indians.
So no additional countermeasures required.

Also, 5 cases in a country with a population of 1.46 billion. Of which, about 2 million make it to Thailand.
So even if we made the assumption that the disease doesn't stop people travelling, on average, the number of people arriving here with it would be about 0.01.

I'm not going to waste any more time on this. I'm more likely to be struck by lightening.

It does feel like almost all of those 2 million people make it to Pattaya though

[Gaybutton]

If you are planning a trip to India, you might want to check if your country and/or insurance company has issued any kind of warnings that might nullify your insurance.
____________________________________________

Nipah screening at airports, travel warning for India

January 25, 2026

Disease control has been intensified at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports, screening travellers from West Bengal in India where there is a confirmed outbreak of potentially lethal Nipah virus disease.

A travel advisory is also in effect for Thais planning trips to India, warning them to take extra precautions.

International communicable disease officers at the three major airports had begun enhanced screening for inbound passengers, particularly those arriving from West Bengal, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) announced on Sunday.

The procedures include temperature checks and on‑site assessment of passengers showing signs of illness. Travellers found with high fever or symptoms that may indicate Nipah infection will be transferred to designated quarantine facilities for further examination under established protocols, the statement said.

Arrivals from West Bengal are also being given Health Beware Cards outlining symptoms to watch for and steps to take if they become unwell. Symptoms linked to the Nipah virus include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, cough, breathing difficulty, drowsiness, confusion and seizures.

Passengers who develop symptoms within 21 days of arrival are advised to seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare providers of their travel history and the date the symptoms began.

Those feeling unwell can call the DDC hotline on 1422, or scan the QR code provided on the card to report symptoms. The hotline operates daily from 8am to 8pm.

Travel guidance for Thais visiting India

The DDC also issued travel guidance for Thais planning trips to India for tourism or pilgrimage. Travellers are urged to monitor official health updates, avoid visiting outbreak areas unless necessary, and take precautions such as avoiding contact with animals known to carry or transmit the virus.

Fruits should be thoroughly washed before consumption, and hands washed with soap after handling animals, meat or carcasses - particularly bats, pigs, horses, cats, goats and sheep.

Anyone returning from India who develops a fever, headache, fatigue, cough or neurological symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -for-india
______________________________________

Virologist warns of Nipah virus risk from bats

January 25, 2026

Thailand is at risk from the Nipah virus because it is carried by fruit bats, which are found nationwide, according to prominent virologist Yong Poovorawan.

Prof Dr Yong, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday that Nipah virus disease was first detected in 1998 and 1999. It was the biggest outbreak of the disease to date and was reported in Perak state of Malaysia, before expanding to Singapore.

There were 265 reported cases and 108 of them died.

He said the symptoms then were high fever and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Fruit bats were proved to be the carriers of the virus. Fruit contaminated with bat saliva fell into pig stalls. The disease was then transmitted among pigs and later from pigs to humans. That outbreak did not reach Thailand.

Smaller oubreaks of the disease had been reported since 2002, mostly in South Asia and especially in Bangladesh.

Unlike the previous situation in Malaysia, the virus was transmitted from bats to people through fresh fruit or juice, especially juice made from fresh dates. The disease was transmitted from human to human. Outbreaks had since occurred in small groups of people, including the latest outbreak in India.

The symptoms had also changed, to include fever and severe pneumonia.

The disease can be transmitted from human to human and from pig to human through direct contact with bodily fluids.

“But the chances are not big, unlike respiratory diseases such as influenza and Covid-19, which spread widely,” Prof Dr Yong wrote.

He said that although Thailand had not detected a human case of Nipah virus infection, there were many risk factors in the country which support transmission from animal to human.

He said the Nipah virus occurs naturally in fruit bats, which are found nationwide, “especially in communities, temples and orchards where the risk is relatively higher from the environment and food contaminated with the saliva and urine of bats".

“Thailand has some agricultural and consumption factors which may increase the risk of a spillover. For example, orchards near communities. People consume fresh fruit or drink fresh juice. People in some areas eat raw or half-cooked food,” Prof Dr Yong wrote.

He also mentioned the big pig industry in Thailand. “If animals become infected, they can be amplifying hosts,” he said.

“Although the risk of an outbreak is low at present, an actual outbreak could have a serious impact on public health and the economy,” Prof Dr Yong said.

He recommended proactive surveillance and preparation for outbreak responses.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -from-bats

[Gaybutton]

Covid control measures revived amid Nipah virus scare

No cases in Thailand, tightened controls precautionary, says prime minister

January 25, 2026

The government has revived disease control measures earlier imposed to fight the covid-19 pandemic, to prevent a Nipah virus outbreak in Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Sunday.

"Public health screening systems have been adjusted, based on the model that we used during the covid-19 outbreak in Thailand,” the prime minister said.

Although there had not been a Nipah case in Thailand, precautions must be stepped up beyond normal because there was neither a cure nor a vaccine against the virus, he said.

The screening of visitors from any risk country must be intensified.

However, Mr Anutin said, people should not be overly worried about the outbreak of Nipah virus disease in India, or the possibility of it entering Thailand, because the disease is transmitted through bodily fluids. It is not airborne.

“People can live their normal life as usual and adhere to their familiar hygienic routine, like eating freshly cooked food, using serving spoons, frequently washing their hands and avoiding shaking hands,” he said. He would ensure the Public Health Ministry issues appropriate announcements on the Nipah situation, along with hygiene guidelines, to forestall any panic.

Dr Nattapong Wongwiwat, director-general of medical science, said his department had ordered hospitals and medical institutions wihin its jurisdiction to ready specialist staff, isolation wards, medication and other medical supplies for use in the event of a Nipah disease outbreak in Thailand.

The department has also tasked internal and external specialists with drawing up guidelines for use by medical personnel nationwide.

These instructions were aimed at maximising public safety, he said. They apply to Rajavithi Hospital, Lerdsin Hospital, Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, the Neurological Institute of Thailand, the Central Chest Institute of Thailand and the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health.

The department also tasked internal and external specialists to prepare guidelines for medical personnel nationwide for use to cope with a possible Nipah virus outbreak, Dr Nattapong said.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... irus-scare