BANGKOK, 1 JUNE 2015 – The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has ordered its provincial offices and state hospitals to keep surveillance for signs of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-CoV virus although no infected persons have been found in the country since the virus emerged in 2012, according to acting Permanent Secretary Surachet Satitniramai.
A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) said that in May 2015, there were 29 infected patients, with 4 deaths in 5 countries – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Iran and South Korea. This put the total number of confirmed patients to 1,139 in 24 countries, with 431 deaths. WHO has not yet imposed travel restrictions to countries where cases were reported.
However, the Public Health Permanent Secretary said Thailand has the risk to the outbreak due to public traveling between countries in risk.
He said infected persons will have similar symptoms to influenza. They will have high temperature, cough, vomit and diarrhea. Person with these symptoms should be put into suspected group of MERS-CoV especially if they have just come back from Middle East countries or any country confirmed to have infected patients.
The MOPH also has assigned the Disease Control Department to provide special health inspections for about 10,400 Thai Muslims who will get on their Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in mid-August. They will be given necessary injections including vaccines against influenza and Meningococcal Meningitis. Their health will be monitored after returning to Thailand.
According to Director-General of Disease Control Department Sopon Mekthon, the virus has emerged since 2012 and spread across the Middle East.
“Coronavirus 2012 behaves similarly to SARS. It causes severe acute respiratory syndrome. The virus can spread to human lung very fast and can be passed through coughing and sneeze,” said Sopon.
Those who plan to go to the Middle East should strictly follow instructions and always eat clean and hot foods, using common spoons and regularly washing hands after touching public facilities as well as avoiding close range to camels and drinking camel milk.
Anyone who seems to have these symptoms is required to wear face mask and stay home for two days. If symptoms remain, they should go to see the doctor for proper treatment. But for persons with diabetes, chronic renal failure or chronic lung disease and weak immunity, should consult doctor immediately as they are in higher risk of severe complications.
