After Wuhan’s public health office announced on its website that the pneumonia outbreak is being contained after 44 patients were identified. Of that total, 11 were reportedly in a coma with high fevers and exhibiting breathing difficulties associated with lung infections. It remains to be seen what type of virus may have caused the disease.

the Department of Disease Control, Director General Dr. Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, said that international quarantine checkpoints throughout the country have initially been instructed to be on watch for a pneumonia outbreak and strictly screen travelers from Wuhan at Suvarnabhumi airport, Don Mueang airport, Chiang Mai airport, and Phuket airport.

In Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, authorities have been monitoring any possible outbreak of pneumonia, and strictly screening travelers from Wuhan at airports and other arrival points

Though the World Health Organization has not as yet issued a warning to those who may be traveling to Wuhan, they are strongly urging passengers to follow advice by avoiding crowded or polluted places or sharing personal utensils with others and always keeping themselves warm. 

In addition, for people traveling from risky areas, especially young children and the elderly, those who experience symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or runny nose can ask to see a doctor or health official immediately due to the possibility of pneumonia complications. Moreover, the risky person should show the Health Card to the health officer at hospital.

For more information, call the Department of Disease Control on hotline Tel1422.

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