On November 9, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, reported a significant outbreak of gastroenteritis among students in Rayong, with over 1,000 cases across two schools. Initial symptoms, including stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and headaches, began on November 5 following a sports event. The outbreak involved 342 primary school students and 715 secondary school students. Most cases were mild, with students recovering at home or being discharged from the hospital the same day. Laboratory tests confirmed norovirus in one stool sample, though further testing is ongoing.

The Ministry’s Disease Control team identified several environmental risk factors, such as kitchen sanitation and food and water hygiene at on-site vendors, and issued safety recommendations to prevent further infections. Students and staff were advised to practice strict hygiene, including eating hot, freshly prepared food, using separate utensils, and washing hands thoroughly before meals and after bathroom use.