Thailand officially Mers-free after only patient declared cured

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BANGKOK, 3 July 2015  – Thailand is officially free of Mers as the country’s only patient has made a full recovery and is cured of the deadly virus.

Public Health Minister, Professor Dr. Rachata Rachatanavin said the 75-year-old Omani man who is the first confirmed case of Mers is fully cured and 176 people who have been in contact with him have also been cleared of the virus.

He elaborated that the patient has tested negative for the virus during the last 5 medical checks.

Dr Ratchata noted that Thailand and other countries are still at risk of a Mers outbreak due to a large number of tourist arrivals in the country and due to the kingdom’s position as a regional medical hub. Screening measures will continue to be implemented to prevent a possible spread.

In South Korea, the virus had killed 33 people so far and a total of 184 cases had been confirmed. Forty-two of those remain hospitalised with 12 in critical condition.