“The Public Health Ministry issued a warning to all provinces to be aware of the possibility of a Mers outbreak following a 71-year-old Omani man being confirmed as infected with Mers arriving in Thailand on January 23,” he said.
Regardless, the Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO) ramped up health security measures at the airport and hotlines have been set up so people can report any instances of people believed to be carrying or infected with either of the two infectious diseases, he said.
Dr Krit Sakulpat of the PPHO explained added, “Phuket health officials are keeping an eye on arrivals at the airport, piers and main bus terminal.
“Any people arriving from risk countries who within 14 days develop any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, running nose or sore throat, must see doctor right away.”
A total of 31 people in Phuket had been checked for possible Mers infections, but all were found to be clear of the disease, he added.
“However, if you know you are at risk, please wear a mask and report yourself to health officials by calling 1669 or 1422,” Dr Krit said.
Likewise, any people who suspect they may be carrying the Zika virus are urged to report themselves, PPHO Chief Dr Buncha Kakhawng told The Phuket News yesterday.
“The Zika virus is not a serious situation in Phuket, but we are keeping an eye on arrivals from Latin America,” he said.
“The incubation period is four to seven days, during which infected persons will develop a fever, rashes, joint pain and conjunctivitis, similar to dengue fever.”
The virus is suspected to be especially dangerous to pregnant women, he added.
“It can affect the fetus and cause brain shrinkage or death,” Dr Bancha said.
Any persons concerned that they may contacted the virus were urged to present themselves at the nearest government hospital – in Patong, Thalang or Phuket Town – for diagnosis, he added.
Additional reporting by Tanyaluk Sakoot