In a follow-up to an earlier report today, the Thailand Ministry of Health has confirmed the first case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (computer translated).
The imported case from Oman was admitted to a private Thai hospital on June 15. The businessman, in his 70s, arrived in Thailand seek medical care for a heart ailment.
Laboratory testing confirmed the novel coronavirus.
59 people are now being monitored for MERS, including three of the patients relatives who came with him to Bangkok. In addition, others being monitored include health personnel, hotel employees, passengers who sat two rows in front and behind the patient on the plane and two taxi drivers.
Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin said, “We advise the public not to panic because the patient and his family members were separated since the beginning,” Rajata said. “Our system is ready and we are monitoring the cases closely.”
Earlier today, the Korean CDC updated the MERS case count to 165, including 23 deaths.
3 thoughts on “Thailand confirms 1st imported MERS case”