The Department of Disease Control has played down the threat of an Ebola outbreak in Thailand, saying experience in dealing with infectious diseases outbreaks had prepared the kingdom to cope with any emergencies.
“We have prepared for all kind of diseases,” said DDC deputy director-general Opart Karnkawingpong. “In the past we dealt with all kinds of deadly diseases such as Sars, bird flu, swine flu, and more.”
Dr Opart’s assurance came amidst growing concern over the international response to the Ebola outbreak, which has claimed more than 4,500 lives since March.
So far, the outbreak has mostly been confined to West Africa, where it originated. But eight confirmed cases in the US last week, as well as several recent deaths in Spain, mean the virus has now been found on three continents, triggering a more concerted global response.
Although there have been no confirmed cases in Asia, Dr Opart said the DDC has put preventive measures in place in a bid to thwart any potential outbreak here.
The first measure applies to all travellers, Thai and foreign, arriving from affected countries. Dr Opart said those people are required to report to the DDC immediately upon arrival. The DDC will record their personal information, and will contact them daily for 21 days to check on their health.
If a person falls ill within that period, they will be asked to inform the DDC immediately and will be sent to one of four designated hospitals in Bangkok: Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, Rajavithi Hospital, Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital or Lerdsin Hospital.
If they live outside Bangkok, they must report to a regional hospital.
Foreigners who have travelled from an affected country will need a document from the DDC to certify they are clear of Ebola. If they don’t have that paper in their hand, immigration police will not stamp their passport and they will be prohibited from entering the country.
Since June, around 2,000 Thai citizens have returned from the affected areas, Dr Opart said. None of them have shown any sign of Ebola.
Dr Opart said all hospitals nationwide have been instructed to monitor the situation closely. If any patients are found with symptoms that indicate they might have Ebola, they will be questioned about their recent travel itinerary.
If they have been anywhere near an affected area, hospital staff are required to quarantine them and call the DDC’s 1422 hotline immediately.
Anyone who has made direct contact with a suspected Ebola patient will also be asked to leave their contact details, and will be monitored for 30 days.
Medical staff are required to treat all suspected cases of Ebola as though they are confirmed cases, even if still awaiting test results. That means isolating the patient and wearing protective gear at all times when in contact with them.
To defend against Ebola, the protective gear must cover every part of the body and must be completely waterproof. Dr Opart explained that it is essential that the gear is waterproof because Ebola can be spread via body fluids, including blood, vomit or sweat.
He emphasised that Thai medical personnel are experienced with preventive health measures.
“Our health workers are well trained in all preventive measures,” he said. “They know how to take off and wear the protective gear, how to deal with a patient, and what to do when there is an emergency situation. This is not something new to us.”
Dr Opart said there was little reason to be concerned about Ebola in Thailand.
“The number of people who travel from those African countries [affected by Ebola] is low to begin with,” he said. “After the outbreak, that number is even lower.”
He said there are 67 disease control stations throughout the country — at all air, land and marine points of entry. However, thermal imaging scanners have only been installed at major airports such as Suvarnabhumi, Hat Yai and Chiang Mai.
At Suvarnabhumi, five thermal imaging cameras are in place. “Anyone who has a body temperature exceeding 38C will have to answer questions from the DDC,” Dr Opart said.
Since the DDC installed the cameras in June, only 10 people have been found with a fever. “None of them were travelling from the affected areas; all just had regular colds,” Dr Opart said.