Situation Report on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: MERS
25 June 2015
1. Latest situation on 25 June 2015
1.1. One confirmed case found in Thailand
1.2. 160 contact cases found
1.3. Update global situation on 20 June 2015; 1,338 confirmed cases and 475 deaths. The update situation in Republic of Korea on 24 June 2015; 179 confirmed cases and 27 deaths.
1.4. Do not trust rumors from any source especially rumors from social media. Please check if the information is correct before forwarding it and follow the news from the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). For any questions, please contact Department of Diseases Control (DDC) Hotline at 1422 for 24 hours.
2. The Ministry of Public Health prepares practice guideline for athletes and students who are traveling to affected area and a disease surveillance system for their return.
Dr. Sopon Mekthon, Director-General, Department of Disease Control gave information update on MERS surveillance, prevention and control progress during an interview in war room meeting. Currently, a concern about participation of Universiade or World University Games which will be held in Gwangju City, Republic of Korea during July 3-14th, 2015 is raised. As Thai Universities are preparing to send students for the competition in July, the Prime Minister urges all concerned parties to attend the matter. In this regard, MOPH is preparing a practice guideline for health protection and infection prevention including a surveillance system for the athletes and students when returning to Thailand. The disease surveillance system, which is the same system that has been used for pilgrims, is efficient and will be carried out with systematic approach by health networks including public health officers and village health volunteers.
Regarding questions on people under disease investigation, MOPH clarify that people under disease investigation criteria are those who travel from reported MERS affected area in this year, and having fever or coughing symptoms within 14 days after leaving such affected areas. All persons under investigation will be diagnosed with laboratory test and admitted for symptom observation in separated rooms until 14-days due. For those who travel from reported MERS affected area but have no symptom are advised to stay isolated and avoid close contact with others. A register system is also developed to monitor all of them.
People who exposed the confirmed case are divided into two groups. High risk group refers to people who made close contact with the confirmed case, i.e. the Omani patient’s relatives and the passengers who sat close to the Omani patient during plane boarding are admitted for symptom observation until 14 days due. Low risk group such as people who were on board with the same plane as the Omani patient are advised to stay isolated and avoid close contact with others. They are also monitored daily with the register system.
As for the Omani patient who is being cared in Bamrasnaradura Infectious Disease Institute, he is getting better and able to eat. Three patient’s relatives are in normal condition. All people under disease investigation criteria are also in normal condition.
3. Travelers returning from Middle East and Republic of Korea under disease investigation.
From 1 January to 24 June 2015, there were 82 people under disease investigation criteria; most of them travel from reported MERS affected countries. The number consists of 49 people traveling from Republic of Korea and 33 people traveling from Middle East. On June 24th, there were 10 people under disease investigation criteria; 3 people from Republic of Korea and 7 people from Middle East.
All of them were sent for laboratory test.
All of them were sent for laboratory test.
4. Summary of DDC Hotline service: 1422.
In the period of 24 hours on 24 June 2015, 164 calls were made and 77 calls were about MERS. The most frequently asked questions were; knowledge about the disease, practice and how to prevent oneself from being sick. A notable question, what is the conduct practice for students who are being sent for Universiade in Republic of Korea?
In addition, DDC has also conducted a survey about people’s knowledge and understanding of MERS. The result shows that about 60% have correct understanding and trust the disease surveillance and prevention system of MOPH.
5. Actions taken at Disease Control checkpoint at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
- On 23 June 2015, 29,345 travelers entering Thailand have been screened with thermometer scan. Four travelers with fever found, though they’re not traveling from MERS or Ebola affected area. However, their names, addresses and telephone numbers were recorded for monitoring according to disease surveillance system.
- Airlines with direct flights from risk areas are requested collaboration in notifying the passengers of the screening measure at the airport, and distribute health beware cards to passengers. Airlines are also advised to be strict with plane cleaning.
- Immigration is coordinated for sending any travelers from affected areas to the disease control checkpoints for screening before allowing entering the country.
- Four Thermoscan devices are installed. Alcohol gel has been placed and regularly refilled more than 200 points all over the airport. Hygiene masks are adequately distributed at the information counters.
6. Recommendations on how to protect oneself from respiratory infections including MERS.
There is no risk of MERS infection for people in Thailand generally except those who travel to countries with endemic. The general practices for the people are:
1. Avoid close contact with respiratory disease patient or those who are with coughing or sneezing symptoms.
2. Follow the principle for good hygiene, consuming well-cooked and warm food, using a separate spoon for sharing food and washing hands often with soap.
3. When having the following symptoms; fever, cough, sneezing, nasal discharge and sore throat, people must avoid close contact with others. Covering the mouth and nose with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing is encouraged. Discard used tissue paper in a closed bin and wash hands. Wearing hygiene mask when necessary. For those who returned from affected areas, if having mentioned symptoms within 14 days after returning, go to see medical doctor or health care personnel in the area and inform them of your travel history.
4. People who has fever or cough but did not travel to the affected areas has no need
to overly concern. Go to see the doctor or contact DDC Hotline 1422 for 24 hours. News and updates can be followed on Facebook page, “ไทยสู้เมอร์ส”.
*********************** 25 June 2015
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