The condition of the Omani man confirmed as Thailand’s first and only Mers case has improved considerably, the acting permanent secretary for health said Wednesday.
Surachet Satitniramai said the 75-year-old patient was less dependent on the respirator, presently needing one litre of oxygen a day instead of eight when he was first admitted.
The Omani man has been quarantined and treated at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute in Nonthaburi province.
Mr Surachet said a medical team would continue to treat him until he recovers and no longer has any sign of the Mers virus before allowing him to return to his country.
Three relatives of the patient are staying at the facility under 14-day medical surveillance until July 2 to check whether they have contracted the deadly disease, he said.
The Public Health Ministry on Wednesday issued a formal order requiring owners/caretakers of houses and residential buildings to notify public health authorities about anyone on their premises suspected of having the Mers virus within 24 hours from the time the sickness is known or the suspicion emerges. Violators will be fined 2,000 baht.