Situation Report on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: MERS
6 July 2015
1. Latest situation on 6 July 2015.
1. No confirmed case found in Thailand
2. Global situation update: from 30 September 2012 to 5 July 2015, 1,367 confirmed cases and 487 deaths were found in 26 countries. The Republic of Korea’s situation updates on 5 July 2015; 186 confirmed cases and 33 deaths.
3. 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 remains strict on MERS prevention and surveillance measures in every area.
- Travelers screening and surveillance at international checkpoints are strictly executed.
- All hospitals both public and private are instructed to look out for MERS cases and be ready to send samples for laboratory test. The diagnosis result must be obtained within 5-8 hours. Each hospital must prepare an infection controlled isolation room. All personnel must strictly comply with hospital infection prevention measures.
- Every province must have a ‘Surveillance and Rapid Response Team (SRRT)’ ready for prompt disease investigation, prevention and control.
- When a suspected contact case is reported, the case must be immediately monitored by SRRT following the standard practices.
- Knowledge and correct understandings must be publicly provided for the people and medical personnel to prevent panic. The DDC hotline: 1442 is available for people seeking consultation 24 hours a day.
- People who are traveling to affected countries for pilgrimage must be vaccinated with influenza and meningococcal vaccines. Knowledge on disease prevention must also be provided.
3. Surveillance for travelers returning from Middle East and Republic of Korea under disease investigation.
From 1 January to 5 July 2015, there were 152 people under disease investigation criteria traveled from reported MERS affected countries. The number consists of 79 people traveling from Republic of Korea and 73 people traveling from Middle East. On July 5th, there were 4 people under disease investigation criteria; 2 people from Republic of Korea and 2 people from Middle East. All of them were sent for laboratory test and investigation.
4. Summary of DDC Hotline service: 1422.
In the period of 24 hours on 5 July 2015, 48 calls were made and 23 calls were about MERS. The most frequently asked questions were about MERS symptoms and situation. On a side note; a private hospital enquired about patients transferring.
5. Actions taken at Disease Control checkpoints.
Screening measures are continuing active in every entry points of the country. On 5 July 2015;
- At the Suvarnabhumi Airport: 31,020 travelers entering Thailand have been screened with thermometer scan. Two travelers with fever found though they have no history of traveling to MERS or Ebola affected areas.
- At the Don Mueang Airport: 167 travelers entering Thailand (130 of them traveled with direct flights from affected areas) have been screened with thermometer scan. No traveler with fever found.
- At the Phuket Airport: 1,102 travelers entering Thailand with 5 direct flights from affected areas have been screened with thermometer scan. No traveler with fever found.
- At the Chiang Mai Airport: 216 travelers entering Thailand with one direct flight from affected areas have been screened with thermometer scan. No traveler with fever found.
- At the Nongkhai border checkpoint: 36 travelers entering Thailand from affected areas have been screened with thermometer scan. No traveler with fever found.
- Health beware cards are distributed. Immigration is coordinated for sending any travelers from affected areas to the disease control checkpoints for screening before allow entering the country.
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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