Thailand continues measures against MERS-CoV

BANGKOK, June 16 (TNA) - Thailand has continued implementing intensified measures to prevent the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) from spreading in the Kingdom. As part of the measures, the Thai Ministry of Public Health's Department of Disease Control, in a latest development, has told tour firms to seriously watch out for suspicious symptoms among their South Korean tourists. The department's Director-General, Dr. Sopon Mekthon, confirmed the move on Tuesday, noting that he told tour companies to particularly observe tourists from the Middle East and South Korea and have their staff wear face masks. Dr. Sopon said his department has also prohibited tour guides and tourists from entering any animal farm, drinking animal milk, especially camel milk, and visiting a hospital when there is an epidemic. Besides, his department has instructed tour guides and international tourists to eat newly-cooked food, use serving spoons and washing hands regularly, while advising those having a high fever to see a doctor immediately, wear face masks and stay away from others. Representatives of tour companies revealed that, due to the MERS-CoV epidemic in South Korea, about 1,500 Thai tourists have either postponed their trips to South Korea or changed their destinations on a daily basis, while South Korean tourists have been visiting Thailand as usual. Meanwhile, health officials are closely observing 5,000-6,000 Thai pilgrims who will visit the Middle East in the near future for the annual Hajj. (TNA)