Situation Report on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: MERS 2 July 2015

 Situation Report on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: MERS

2 July 2015

1. Latest situation on 2 July 2015.

1. One confirmed case found in Thailand

2. 154 contact cases found

3. Global situation update: from March 2012 to 30 June 2015, 1,357 confirmed cases and 489 deaths are found in 26 countries. The Republic of Korea’s situation updates on 1 July 2015; 182 confirmed cases and 33 deaths. 

4. People are requested not to trust rumors from any source. Information must be checked if it is correct before sharing it through the social media to prevent public panic caused by receiving incorrect information.  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. MOPH prepares making a statement on the results of Omani patient’s MERS treatments

Dr. Sopon Mekthon, Director-General, Department of Disease Control gave information update on MERS situation during an interview in war room meeting. The Omani patient who is being cared in airborne infection isolation room at BamrasnaraduraInfectious Disease Institute is getting better. He is able to eat and help himself. However, he still needs medical treatments for his underlying disease. His respiratory symptoms have considerably improved. The laboratory test shows no MERS-CoV.

Tomorrow, the patient is expected to be moved from isolation room to a normal room. In the afternoon of the same day, The Minister of Public Health and the Ambassador of Oman with WHO Representative to Thailand, the President of Private Hospital Association, and a representative of Bumrungrad hospital will make an announcement on the completion of care for the patient and the contact cases. The collaboration model among MOPH, private hospitals and concerned agencies for future emerging diseases response will also be announced. 

Nevertheless, Thailand still faces risk of MERS infections from travelers who come from affected areas such as Middle East and Republic of Korea. Until the endemic in these areas are over, people traveling to affected areas are still needed to be equipped with knowledge on proper self protection practice.   If having symptoms of fever or coughing within 14 days after returning, they are encouraged to wear a hygiene mask and go to see medical doctor and inform health personnel about your travel history.  Do not travel with public transport. Please call 1669 for assistance.

3. Surveillance for travelers returning from Middle East and Republic of Korea under disease investigation.

From 1 January to 1 July 2015, there were 138 people under disease investigation criteria and most of them travel from reported MERS affected countries.  The number consists of 73 people traveling from Republic of Korea and 65 people traveling from Middle East.  On July 1st, there were 4 people under disease investigation criteria; 3 people from Republic of Korea and 1 person 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 2 July 2015, 57 calls were made.  The most frequently asked questions were about MERS symptoms and current situations. On a side note, a private hospital seeks consult on room cleaning, wearing protection suit, and definition of infected cases.

5. Actions taken at Disease Control checkpoint at SuvarnabhumiAirport.

- On 1 July 2015, 29,982 travelers entering Thailand have been screened with thermometer scan.  No traveler with fever was found.

- 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 have been 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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