Thailand examines 59 people after first MERS case

Thailand is examining around 59 people who came in direct contact with the country’s first patient, infected with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome or coronavirus, or MERS, Thai media reported Friday.

Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin, confirmed late Thursday a 75yearold man, returning from Oman, tested positive for the virus.

The patient reached Bangkok on Monday to undergo treatment for cardiac problems at a private hospital where MERS symptoms were detected.

He has been quarantined in the city’s infectious diseases institute, according to the minister.

Three of his relatives, passengers of the plane he traveled in, and the taxi driver who drove him from the hospital have been put under observation and quarantined in their houses for 14 days.

Health authorities assured precautions have been taken against a possible outbreak in coming weeks.

Patients with possible symptoms will be monitored along with those who had recently visited the Middle East.

“We’ve told all hospitals in Thailand to be on alert. Those who come back from the Middle East and South Korea must be checked thoroughly,” Disease Control Department’s directorgeneral Sophon Mekthon told ‘Bangkok Post’ newspaper.

The disease first originated in Saudi Arabia, from where it was carried by travelers to the U.S. and Europe.

Currently there is a coronavirus outbreak in South Korea, the biggest one outside of the Arab world, which has claimed 24 lives and infected 166 people so far.

The virus, which can cause severe infections in the respiratory tract, leading to pneumonia and kidney failure, was first detected in 2012 and responds to no vaccine or medical remedy.