Ministry campaign against Middle East virus threat

The ministry and related agencies met yesterday to review the MERS-CoV surveillance system and agreed to concentrate on three aspects. First, “at-risk people” who have been to countries where MERS-CoV has been reported and develop “suspicious” flu-like symptoms or respiratory problems would be monitored, Sopon said. 

The “at-risk” people – including those who visited the Middle East for pilgrimage, work, study or tourism as well as Middle Easterners – would be monitored for 14 days after arrival in Thailand. Second, lab tests for fast diagnosis would be on hand and, third, infection prevention measures – including a proper quarantine of suspected patients – would be implemented at clinics and hospitals. 

Public relations campaigns would also be implemented to prevent panic and get more cooperation in disease prevention, Sopon said. People travelling to the Middle East were advised to avoid touching camels or drinking raw camel milk, wash their hands with soap frequently and seek doctor’s treatment if developing suspicious symptoms upon return.