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Thailand Prepares Ebola Measures Just in Case

Thursday, October 16, 2014
THAI OFFICIALS are stepping up measures on the prevention and control of Ebola virus. Thailand remains on high alert against this disease, although there have been no report of Ebola cases in the country.

The Cabinet during its meeting acknowledged the Ebola situation and preparations for coping with infections by the Ministry of Public Health.

It also approved the use of the central fund to send Thai medical and health personnel to help West Africa.

At the same time, Thailand will offer both financial assistance and necessary equipment to the affected countries. Donations will be sought through the Government, the Thai Red Cross Society, and the private sector.

According to a report from the Ministry of Public Health, the 2014 Ebola outbreak is one of the largest Ebola outbreaks in history.

It is affecting five countries in West Africa: Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Senegal. There are cases in Spain and the United States, as well.

The World Health Organisation reported that there were 8399 Ebola patients as of October 8. Out of this number, 4033 have so far died from the disease. The outbreak is most severe in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

As part of its measures against the virus, Thailand has screened travelers at nine areas, such as Suvarnabhumi Airport, sea ports, and border checkpoints.

From June 8 to September 25, a total of 1689 travelers were screened. Education campaigns have been launched to provide the public with proper knowledge and information about the Ebola virus.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suggested that, unless necessary, Thai people should avoid traveling to West Africa for the time being.

Public Health Minister Professor Dr Rajata Rajatanavin said that although Ebola poses a small risk to Thailand, the country should not be complacent.

The Ministry of Public Health is joining hands with relevant agencies in closely monitoring the outbreak situation. It has declared Ebola infection a dangerous disease. Thai medical and health personnel have also been trained to deal effectively with the infections.

The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and it spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission.

The infection is transmitted by direct contact with body fluids: blood, perspiration, and tissues of infected animals or people. It causes an acute, serious illness which is often fatal if untreated.

Early symptoms include sudden onset of fever, weakness, muscle pain, headaches and a sore throat. These symptoms can appear between 2 to 21 days after infection.

NNT

Comments

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The WHO should recommend that there should be this moment not any international traveling by air in/out countries were the outbreak is so severe. It is a drastic step. But seems to be needed now! A aircraft departing with 1 patient on a 6-10 hour flight can touch down with 5-6 more infected people! Passengers as well crew! Ebola is a dangerous disease, like the Plague was before. Simple conclusion. Actions to try(!)further spreading are needed ( internationally)

Posted by Kurt on October 16, 2014 13:11

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Read about that Dallas flight! Aircrafts are the best in transferring diseases. From getting a simple throat infection up to Ebola!

Posted by Kurt on October 16, 2014 15:15

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A woman was coughing all over everyone and her vegetables at the fresh market today, better get a public awareness campaign going.

Posted by The Mare Crisium on October 16, 2014 19:00

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These people can simply walk across borders into other countries. You would have to ban all travel by air in & out of the African continent & that is not going to happen with the oil industry & its high demands for expat workers from all parts of the world (USA to Philippines).

In addition, that does not include the thousands of boat people landing in southern Europe then disappearing across that continent.

The stated requirements for hygiene control is near impossible for 90% of Africans who don't have running water & proper sanitation.

It is a bigger nightmare scenario than anyone realised until it appeared in Spain & USA. The symptoms might not even be detected at airport controls as they sometimes don't emerge for up to 21 days. At this stage, nobody including President Obama should downplay the threat.

Posted by Logic on October 16, 2014 20:33

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"Just in case"- "Just in case you're gonna lose that race.." (played in C minor - with a melancholy tempo)

Proactive measures and back-up plans can prevent that down-beat music from ever being played out.

Posted by farang888 on October 16, 2014 21:39

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Kurt,
You are probably just as likely to catch another's disease in a bus, train or picture theatre as you are in an aircraft. It relates to the occupation density and period of exposure. As for the relationship between aircrafts and Ebola that's only because not many buses, trains and picture theatres originated from Africa.
Infected people are best at transferring infectious diseases as I don't believe there is a single reported case of an aircraft becoming deceased as a result of being infected.

Posted by Manowar on October 16, 2014 22:16

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Manomar, Ebola is not just another infectious disease. 50% of the Ebola patients already died. Of course, a aircraft can not spread the Ebola. I ment the aircraft environment in which large groups of people sit packed, close together for many hours. Well, thai government now also advice not to travel to the west African countries were Ebola outbreak is severe.

Posted by Kurt on October 17, 2014 01:22


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