Situation Report on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: MERS
29 June 2015
1. Latest situation on 29 June 2015
1. One confirmed case found in Thailand
2. 154 contact cases found
3. Update global situation on 26 June 2015; 1,356 confirmed cases and 483 deaths in 26 countries. The update situation in Republic of Korea on 27 June 2015; 182 confirmed cases and 32 deaths.
4. People are requested not to trust rumors from any source. Information must be checked if it is correct before sharing it to prevent incorrect information from spreading causing panic. Sharing incorrect information is illegal according to Computer Crime Act. Please 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 urges the surveillance system must be strict and solid.
Dr. Wachira Pengjuntr, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Public Health gave information update on MERS surveillance, prevention and control progress during an interview in war room meeting. The assessment suggests that the situation in Republic of Korea today shows improvement as the number of the patients is decreased and the number of death only increase by one. Though the risk seems to reduce, the cautious and warning measures must be continued. In Thailand, all close contact cases are found and monitored, no new case found. Today, 20 of the high-risk group contact cases have been monitored under disease surveillance for full 14 days. They were thoroughly examined before allowed to go home. There are 16 high-risk contact cases remaining and all of them are in normal condition. The criteria for releasing contact cases from surveillance system are; 1) laboratory test show no infection 2) the contact case is in normal condition and 3) no chance of disease spreading and safe for the public.
MOPH has emphasized the solidity and strictness of the surveillance system and medical treatments in both public and private sanatoriums, daily screening of travelers from affected areas especially Republic of Korea and Middle East, diagnosis and mobile disease investigation in every province in order to assure the people.
Special attention is given to Thai people who are traveling for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage which were registered at the Department of Religious Affairs around 10,000 people. As of now about 500 – 800 people listed have been coordinated. MOPH will also prepare a 30 days surveillance system for their return with collaboration of village health volunteers and provincial health offices.
3. Travelers returning from Middle East and Republic of Korea under disease investigation.
From 1 January to 28 June 2015, there were 128 people under disease investigation criteria and most of them travel from reported MERS affected countries. The number consists of 68 people traveling from Republic of Korea and 60 people traveling from Middle East. On June 28th, there were 18 people under disease investigation criteria; 4 people from Republic of Korea and 14 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 29 June 2015, 48 calls were made and 9 calls were about MERS. The most frequently asked questions were; knowledge about the disease, incubation period, practice and how to prevent oneself from being sick. An interesting question is about tips for purchasing appropriate hygiene masks.
5. Actions taken at Disease Control checkpoint at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
- On 28 June 2015, 30,376 travelers entering Thailand have been screened with thermometer scan. One traveler with fever found. The traveler has no travel history to MERS or Ebola affected area.
- Airlines with direct flights from risk areas are requested collaboration in notifying the passengers of the screening measures 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 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.
Generally, 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 any respiratory disease patients 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”.
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