Thai Officials Warn of Polio Threat from Laos Outbreak. Unverified Claims Indicate That a New Sublineage Could be Involved!
James Josh Fact checked by:TMN Nov 04, 2025 3 months, 1 week, 3 days, 26 minutes ago
Medical News: Health Alert Across Thai Borders
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has issued an urgent warning after neighboring Laos reported new cases of poliomyelitis, a highly contagious viral disease that can cause paralysis and even death. The outbreak, detected in Savannakhet province, involves a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1). Some international experts suspect that a new sub-lineage of the vaccined-derived poliovirus type 1 could have emerged but these claims have to be verified via laboratory investigations.
Thai authorities warn citizens and travelers as Laos battles a polio outbreak that could spill across
borders without strict vaccination and monitoring measures.
According to official statements, the disease was identified in two asymptomatic children during surveillance on October 7, following an earlier confirmed case in August. This
Medical News report highlights that these findings suggest active transmission within the community and a possible spread beyond provincial borders if preventive steps are not taken swiftly.
Health Authorities Strengthen Border Measures
Dr Montien Kanasawat, Director-General of the DDC, explained that the first infection in August involved a young child showing muscle weakness—a typical symptom of polio’s attack on the nervous system. Subsequent stool testing among 28 children in close contact revealed two additional positive cases, both symptom-free but carrying the virus. These silent infections, he said, raise concerns of hidden spread across communities, particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage.
Authorities are tightening surveillance at all border crossings between Thailand and Laos. Dr Direk Khampaen, Deputy Director-General of the DDC, confirmed that health officers are now screening travelers and encouraging booster vaccinations. Special emphasis is being placed on border provinces including Mukdahan, Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, and Nakhon Phanom, where cross-border travel is frequent.
Vaccination Remains the Best Defense
Poliomyelitis is known for attacking the spinal cord, leading to paralysis and lifelong disability in severe cases. While no cure exists, timely vaccination offers complete protection. Health experts advise Thai parents to ensure that children aged one to five are up to date on their immunizations. Unvaccinated travelers and those unsure of their vaccination status should receive booster doses before visiting Laos.
Thai authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, maintain good hygiene, and avoid consuming potentially contaminated food or water, as the virus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. With increasing cross-border movement, swift vaccination campaigns and monitoring are essential to prevent a resurgence of polio within Thailand’s borders.
Reference:
mp;amp;deptcode=brc&news_views=426">https://ddc.moph.go.th/brc/news.php?news=56582&deptcode=brc&news_views=426
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