Bangkok: Thailand is closely monitoring the Hantavirus situation, as the Andes strain, known for its high mortality rate of up to 40%, raises concerns. Professor Emeritus Dr. Wasan Chantrathit, Head of the Medical Genomics Center at Ramathibodi Hospital, shared these insights on the "Share the News" program on FM 100.5, emphasizing the careful watch kept on the virus, especially with cases emerging from a nature exploration ship. Unlike typical cruise ships, these vessels travel to remote natural areas, which increases the risk of exposure to the virus from rodents.

According to Thai News Agency, Professor Emeritus Dr. Wasan highlighted the need for genetic sequencing from infected individuals and fatalities to trace the virus's origin, whether from island rodents, ship rodents, or human transmission. The Andes strain, part of the severe group, causes lung and heart failure, differing from the strains found in Thailand, which are associated with dengue fever and kidney failure and have lower mortality rates with no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Despite these concerns, Professor Emeritus Dr. Wasan assured that Thailand faces a low risk due to the absence of similar rodent species as those in Argentina. The virus's origin is more likely linked to travelers returning from abroad. While no cure or vaccine is available, he noted that ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) technology could significantly increase survival chances if administered promptly.

The public was cautioned against using brooms or vacuum cleaners to clean areas with rat droppings, as these methods could spread pathogens. Instead, a water and chlorine-based disinfectant solution is recommended. Thailand's preparedness with a disease surveillance system and negative pressure isolation rooms in many hospitals, especially Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Hospital, positions the country better than many others in handling such infectious disease cases.