Nine who were in proximity of patient still to be found
NINE of the 163 people who were in close contact with the Omani patient diagnosed with Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) remain elusive, and the search for them is ongoing despite only a small chance of them having contracted the disease, Public Hea
Meanwhile, the Health Service Support Department (HSSD) told private hospitals to deal properly with MERS-suspected patients and pass on such cases to the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute for monitoring.
Surachet said the nine untraceable people were a Thai taxi driver, six British nationals, one Swiss and one Italian who had boarded the same flight as the Omani patient. “The ministry has contacted the relevant embassies to seek their help in locating them,” he said.
Reacting to news about two private hospitals denying treatment to patients suspected of having MERS, Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin said the ministry’s earlier meeting with more than 100 private hospitals had told them to deal with the patients properly. He said the ministry would soon inspect the hospitals to ensure proper implementation.
HSSD deputy director Tares Krassanairawiwong said that if private hospitals find a MERS suspect, they must call the ministry via the 1669 hotline to arrange the transfer of the patient. “If private hospitals do not apply this procedure, they may face punishment. We have already cautioned the two private hospitals who denied patients treatement; the MERS test results of the concerned persons was also negative, so I prefer not to say any more about it,” Tares said.
About Thailand’s sole MERS patient at the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, Rajata said the Omani would be declared safe if test results are negative twice within 14 days. The Omani’s condition was much better and he could now move around by himself.
However, Surachet was still worried that his condition could be aggravated by his old age and his heart problem.
He also revealed that the three relatives of the Omani patient who have been quarantined did not have a fever or cough. They have been allowed to use the Internet and the Omani Embassy has also delivered them Omani food, but they will remain quarantined until July 2.
In related news, Fiscal Policy Office director-general Krisda Chinavicharana insisted yesterday that the Thai economy had not yet been affected by MERS, going by the number of tourist arrivals. He said that from June 18-21, air travellers’ arrivals through Suvarnabhumi Airport increased by 57.8 per cent compared with the same period last year.
