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THAILAND AND THE INFLUENZA A (H1N1):
INFORMATION FOR VISITORS
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Update #5, as of 12 June 2009 |
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As of 12 June 2009, the Ministry of Public Health has confirmed a total of 47 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection in Thailand. |
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Some of the confirmed cases are travellers, both Thais and foreigners, who arrived in Thailand from affected areas since early May this year. Other cases appear to be cases of transmission from close contact with those infected within Thailand. All cases have been given medical treatments and some have fully recovered, while the others are recovering. |
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All of the confirmed cases were duly reported to the World Health Organization in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005). As a preventive measure, those in close contact with those known to be infected are undergoing close monitoring from the Ministry of Public Health. |
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The rapid identification of patients with influenza A (H1N1) infection in Thailand is due to the intensive surveillance system in place in Thailand as well as excellent cooperation from the public, especially those who returned from affected areas. Every patient with a confirmed influenza A (H1N1) infection had received antiviral drugs treatment within 48 hours, with satisfactory results, as all of the patients have recovered and there has been no deaths. The Ministry of Public Health will prioritize disease prevention within the kingdom to limit the spread of influenza A (H1N1) to as narrowest a scope as possible. The authorities will also continue to tighten surveillance measures to promptly identify patients, to provide effective medical treatment and to promote public awareness on self-prevention from infection.
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Thailand is thus fully prepared to cope with any outbreak, should one occur, within the Kingdom. Intensive medical measures are being implemented, and the situation is still under control. Efficient surveillance and treatment processes by the Thai public health authority ensure that the general public’s welfare is not compromised. |
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Thailand recognizes that WHO continues to recommend no restrictions on travel and no border closures although it has raised the level of global influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6. Hence, Thailand still welcomes all visitors. In the light of current circumstances, however, the public health authority is implementing the following measures:
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Monitoring and screening of inbound international travellers for prompt medical services in case of need, |
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Distribution of Health Beware Cards, health questionnaire, and advice on self-care to inbound international travellers, by collaboration between public health authority and international airlines, |
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Coordination with travel agencies, hotels and airlines in order to take care and give advice to travellers, |
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Other measures include intensive surveillance on travellers who just returned from epidemic areas, and measures for case detection and disease control. |
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For your own well-being and that of the general public, visitors to Thailand are requested to cooperate with and to follow instructions of the public health authority, both at the ports of entry and within the Kingdom. You are also requested to be alert and take care of your personal hygiene. Available global data at present suggests that the characteristic feature of this influenza A (H1N1) is their rapid spread. However, data also shows that the virus is of only moderate severity, similar to seasonal flu, as most patients experience mild symptoms and the fatality rate is very low. |
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Medical services in Thailand are of international standard. Thailand also has past experiences in successfully dealing with the SARS and Avian Flu. The public health authority in Thailand thus has full confidence that, with the level of preparedness gained through our experiences, collaboration with the WHO, and cooperation from the general public, we shall be able to continue to keep the situation in Thailand under control. |
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If you have any further questions, there are two 24-hour hotlines in service, namely, the Ministry of Public Health Hotline at +66 2 590 1994, and the Department of Disease Control Hotline at +66 2 590 3333. You can also visit the website of the Bureau of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Disease Control, at http://beid.ddc.moph.go.th/eng
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2933.php |
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