BANGKOK, 13 June 2015 – The Department of Disease Control has increased preventive measures against the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) for Thai Muslims leaving for Saudi Arabia on Hajj pilgrimage.
The announcement came after the Ministry of Public Health recently declared the disease as a dangerous communicable disease, in accordance with the 1980 Communicable Disease Act. The law dictates those who are suspicious of contracting the disease to immediately contact public health officials for assistance.
The Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, Dr. Sophon Mekthon, revealed his agency is extremely concerned about the health of Thai Hajj pilgrims leaving for Saudi Arabia. About 10,000 Thai Muslims go on the pilgrimage every year.
Dr. Sophon added that 40 medical officers have been dispatched to Saudi Arabia to look after Thai pilgrims. The officials are opening a field hospital with 20 beds near the site of pilgrimage for emergency assistance. Those having suspicious symptoms will be put under the officials’ surveillance program for 30 days.
