Amid the Ebola outbreak, Thailand has imposed a 21-day quarantine requirement for travellers arriving from, or those who have transited through, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or Uganda, where a deadly surge in cases has been reported.
The eastern DRC has become the epicentre of the outbreak, prompting an international health alert from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Since Kinshasa declared an outbreak on May 15, the disease has reportedly caused 204 deaths and 867 suspected cases, according to figures released over the weekend by the DRC’s Health Ministry.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Thailand’s Health Ministry said all travellers—whether showing symptoms of Ebola or not—must undergo at least 21 days of quarantine.
Ebola is a highly infectious and often fatal viral disease transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, and can lead to severe bleeding and organ failure.
Although Thailand has not recorded any Ebola cases among incoming travellers, senior Health Ministry official Somlerk Jeungsmarn said the measure was taken due to the risk posed by global movement of people.
According to the ministry, individuals showing symptoms will be isolated in designated state hospitals, while those without symptoms will be placed at approved quarantine facilities.
The WHO has reported 10 confirmed Ebola deaths and 220 suspected fatalities in the DRC since mid-May, alongside about 900 suspected cases, warning that the actual spread may be significantly wider than recorded.