Situation Report on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: MERS
27th June 2015
1. Latest situation on 27th June 2015
1. One confirmed case found in Thailand
2. 156 contact cases found
3. Update global situation on 20 June 2015; 1,338 confirmed cases and 475 deaths. The update situation in Republic of Korea on 26 June 2015; 181 confirmed cases and 31 deaths.
4. Do not trust rumors from any source especially rumors from social media. Please closely 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 has been tracking most of the high risk group people who made close contact with the confirmed case.
Dr. Surachet Satitniramai, Acting Permanent Secretary of Public Health and Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, Deputy Director-General, Department of Disease Control gave information update on MERS surveillance, prevention and control progress during an interview in war room meeting. The Omani patient who is being cared in Bamrasnaradura Infectious Disease Institute is getting better and able to eat. His health conditions including respiratory tract symptoms and heart problems are properly treated by medical doctors.
Currently 36 cases of those who are identified as high risk and close contact cases including three relatives of the Omani patient, 14 passengers sitting two rows both in front of and behind of the patient’s seat, two taxi drivers, and 17 health personnel, are completely tracked. All of them are in normal condition and being under disease surveillance system for 14 days.
Regarding the participation of Thai students to the World University Games in Republic of Korea, there is close collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Ministry of Public Health in providing health advice and self protection for individuals, and arrangements of medical doctors to take care of athletes and students during this event. It is fortunate that the venue of this event is not in the affected area, and until now there is no any country denying sending the athletes and students to participate in this Game. The disease surveillance system, which is the same system being used for pilgrims will be carried out for the athletes and students when they return to Thailand.
Currently there are wide spread rumors of MERS which cause confusion and panic among people and the public in many areas. To disseminate inaccurate information and panic through the internet and social media is illegal, and the MOPH in collaboration with responsible organizations are seriously taking legal action against this misbehavior. In this regard, MOPH warns people do not trust rumors from any source especially rumors from social media. Please check if the information is correct before forwarding it to others. For any questions, please contact Department of Diseases Control (DDC) Hotline at 1422 for 24 hours or through the Facebook page, “ไทยสู้เมอร์ส”.
3. Travelers returning from Middle East and Republic of Korea under disease investigation.
From 1 January to 26 June 2015, there were 107 people under disease investigation criteria and most of them travel from reported MERS affected countries. The number consists of 61 people traveling from Republic of Korea and 46 people traveling from Middle East. On June 26th, there were 12 people under disease investigation criteria; 6 people from Republic of Korea and 6 people from Middle East. All of them were sent for laboratory test.
4. Summary of DDC Hotline service: 1422.
In the period of 24 hours on 26 June 2015, 98 calls were made and 51 calls were about MERS. The most frequently asked questions were; knowledge about the disease, practice and how to prevent oneself from being sick. Another interesting question was about Korean patient in Chonburi province whether he was diagnosed with MERS viral infection or not.
5. Actions taken at Disease Control checkpoint at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
- On 26 June 2015, 31,548 travelers entering Thailand have been screened with thermometer scan. Two 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 on 37 air flights. 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 allow 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.
In general, there is no risk of MERS infection for people in Thailand 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 is required 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 be overly concerned. Go to see the doctor or contact DDC Hotline 1422 for 24 hours. News and updates can be followed on Facebook page, “ไทยสู้เมอร์ส”.
**************************** 27 June 2015
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