Director-General of Department of Disease Control Dr Panumas Yanwetsakul Responds to World Health Organisation Reports
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand has intensified its disease control measures at Suvarnabhumi Airport following reports of a mysterious fever outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This response is necessitated by the recent findings from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which highlighted an outbreak in Congo involving an unknown illness.
Overview of the Outbreak
According to WHO data as of February 19, the outbreak occurred between January and early March in two villages within the Equateur region: Boloko and Bomate. The outbreak has resulted in 955 confirmed cases and 60 deaths, representing a fatality rate of approximately 6.3%. laboratory tests conducted by health authorities have ruled out the possibility that the illness is linked to known viruses such as Ebola or Marburg.
Current Situation in Thailand
Thailand currently has no reported suspected cases of this disease. However, the DDC has taken proactive steps to enhance surveillance, prevention, and control measures. These include the tightening of screening protocols at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is a critical point of entry for travelers from Congo.
New Screening Protocols
All travellers arriving in Thailand from Congo must comply with the following new measures:
- Temperature Check: Arriving passengers will undergo a temperature check upon arrival.
- Contact Information: They must provide their current address and contact number within Thailand.
- Health Declaration: Travellers are required to fill out a health reporting form, available at airports.
Additional Precautions
In addition to the above measures, any individual who has been in Congo within the past 21 days should monitor for early symptoms of the illness. These may include:
- Fever exceeding 38°C
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue or exhaustion
Immediate Response Protocols
If these symptoms worsen and become severe, affected individuals must seek immediate medical attention. It is crucial that patients inform their doctors of their travel history to facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, such information should be provided to healthcare providers to help prevent further disease transmission.
Conclusion
The DDC’s enhanced measures at Suvarnabhumi Airport reflect a proactive response to the growing concern over the mysterious fever outbreak in Congo. By increasing surveillance and implementing stricter health protocols, Thailand aims to mitigate potential risks for travelers from this region.
