Situation Report on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: MERS 24 June 2015

 Situation Report on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: MERS

24 June 2015

1. Latest situation on 24 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 infected cases and 475 deaths.  Republic of Korea situation update on 22 June 2015; 175 infected 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 announces practices for people returning from affected areas and people who contacted infected patients.

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.  As the  MOPH has declared its orders for all sanatorium, when a suspected case has been found, the MOPH must be informed immediately.  In addition, denying patient’s admission into a hospital is prohibited, and if the patients need to be transferred, they must be transported with infection controlled ambulance, public transportation is prohibited.  Today, MOPH will make another announcement on practice of the people who are returning from affected areas with fever or coughing and those who made direct contact with people with fever or coughing from affected areas in order to prevent disease spreading in Thailand.

In addition, Thai students who studies aboard in Saudi Arabia and are returning to Thailand during Ramadan and New Year festival become an increasing concern.  Orders have been issued to Chief Provincial Health Officers, District Health Officers, and Directors of Tambol Health Promoting Hospitals in the area to monitor and surveillance when they return to Thailand with the same system of disease surveillance for pilgrims which has been done constantly for years.

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 23 June 2015, there were 72 people under disease investigation criteria; most of them travel from reported MERS affected countries. The number consists of 46 people traveling from Republic of Korea and 26 people traveling from Middle East.  On June 23^rd, there were 14 people under disease investigation criteria; 11 people from Republic of Korea and 3 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 23 June 2015, 126 calls were made and 59 calls were about MERS. The most frequently asked questions were; knowledge about the disease, practice and how to prevent oneself from being sick.

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.

- 4 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”.

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