Thailand: One confirmed case of viral pneumonia reported January 12 /update 1

Event

The Ministry of Public Health announced on Monday, January 13, that a first confirmed case of the viral pneumonia that broke out in Wuhan (Hubei, China) in December 2019 has been confirmed on Thai territory on Sunday, January 12.

No immediate evidence of human-to-human transmission has been confirmed. However, health officials also said that most of the unexplained viral pneumonia cases in Wuhan have a history of exposure to the South China seafood market.

Temperature screenings have been implemented since Sunday, January 5, at Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT), and Chiang Mai (CNX) airports for travelers arriving from Wuhan (Hubei province, China) to prevent the potential spread of a viral pneumonia.

Context

Experts from the National Health Commission have identified the pneumonia as a new strain of coronavirus. As of January 14, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission (WMHC) has reported 41 confirmed cases and one associated death in Wuhan (Hubei province).

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Individuals travelling from Wuhan are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate additional security checks at the airport, take hygienic measures to reduce their risk of contracting the virus (frequent hand washing, face mask, avoid contact with potential carriers of the disease), avoid contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections, avoid contact with dead of living animals as well as consumption uncooked animal products, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

People developing symptoms of pneumonia are advised to seek medical attention.