Guinean woman undergoing Ebola testing
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A woman from Guinea who returned from her Ebolainfected country is under quarantine in a hospital pending the results of a blood test for the disease, Permanent Secretary for health Dr Narong Sahamethapat said Tuesday.
The 24-year-old woman arrived in Thailand from Guinea on August 20 and consulted doctors after developing a fever of 38.8 Celsius, a runny nose, sore throat and vomiting nine days later. She was admitted to a provincial hospital on Monday.
She had no fever when she passed through Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Narong said.
Narong said she was the first suspected Ebola case in Thailand. The hospital had already taken a sample of her blood for testing and the results are expected today.
“Her fever has already subsided. Doctors are checking her pulse and temperature every four hours. A second blood test will be done on Thursday to confirm the result,” he said.
He said he wanted to emphasise that the woman has not been confirmed as being infected with Ebola. She merely presented with a fever after visiting a country that has been hard hit by the Ebola outbreak.
The doctor said 16 others, both Thai and foreign, who have been in close contact with the patient are also being closely monitored.
“If they show signs of possible infection, they will be brought to the isolation ward in the hospital until the 21day incubation period passes,” he said.
He also provided assurances that medical personnel taking care of the woman were wearing highgrade protection gear and appliances were being strictly sterilised.
Meanwhile Dr Sophon Mekthon, director general of the Disease Control department said the woman is categorised as being in the first tier of procedures for preventing Ebola, as she had fever after returned from an affected area.
