สำนักงานความร่วมมือระหว่างประเทศ
The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) emphasizes that Thailand has declared no outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (nCoV). The MOPH stated that there is 1 confirmed case of nCoV imported from Wuhan city into Thailand, which is also the first case outside China. This patient has been treated and will be discharged to return to China soon. Thailand has the capacities to implement disease control measures and respond to public health threats such as emerging infectious diseases.
On January 13, 2020 at the Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi province, Thailand, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Dr. Satit Pitutecha - Deputy Minister of Public Health, Dr. Sukhum Karnchanapimai - Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai - Director General of the Department of Disease Control, Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong - Director General of the Department of Medical Sciences and Dr. Daniel Kertesz - WHO Representative to Thailand joined a press conference about Novel Coronavirus infection surveillance, prevention, and control measures.
Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul said "Thailand has been implementing surveillance protocol by fever screening of travelers arriving from Wuhan since January 3, 2020, at the Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai international airports." Combining with the enhanced surveillance at governmental and private hospitals, Thailand identified 12 patients under investigation (PUIs). Most of them were infected with seasonal influenza viruses. Eight cases recovered from their illnesses and returned to their homes. One of the PUIs presented with a high fever while passing a thermal scanner at the checkpoint at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and has been admitted at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute since January 8, 2020. A laboratory result identified the nCoV on January 12, 2020, which was confirmed to be the first case in Thailand and also the first case outside China. However, this case has been promptly treated and will be discharged to return to China soon. There have since been no new cases of nCoV. There is no evidence of nCoV infection among close contacts and healthcare workers in Thailand based on current surveillance data.
“Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was informed of the situation of viral pneumonia from Wuhan. He has emphasized the importance of the MOPH providing accurate and trustworthy information to the people. He not only stated that the government stands ready to support necessary efforts but also encouraged health officials to timely respond to the nCoV situation. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged the Thai public not to panic as Thailand has effective screening systems to assure that we can handle the situation efficiently,” as said by Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul.
Mr. Anutin added that the Ministry of Public health has the capacities to implement disease control measures and cope with public health threats. “We have good diagnostic capacities and a strong healthcare system in accordance with international standards, close coordination with WHO and international infectious institutes including a good collaboration with relevant partners, i.e. Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism and Sport, Royal Thai Police and the relevant offices working at the airports. We work together to ensure the safety of people and passengers and to enhance the standard of disease prevention and control. In addition, we have effective disease screening in risky areas, i.e. the four main international airports that have direct flights from Wuhan, government hospitals, private hospitals, and areas of tourist attractions. If anyone has symptoms including fever, sore throat, or runny nose within 14 days after departing from Wuhan, please seek medical attention at the hospital or call DDC Hotline 1422.
Wrote by Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
Translated by Office of International Cooperation,DDC, TH
