The Thai Ministry of Public Health has stepped up its monitoring of arrivals from African countries, especially Uganda, following an outbreak of Ebola in that country in September, said Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of Disease Control Department today (Tuesday).
He said that, even though the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not yet issued a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) notice, he finds it necessary for Thailand to take the precaution, to prevent the disease from entering the country.
Citing Ebola as a dangerous infectious disease, Dr. Tares said that all arrivals from Uganda are required to undergo health screening and to register their arrival at their port of entry, before they will be allowed into the country.
Citing reports from the WHO and the Ministry of Public Health of Uganda on October 24th, 90 Ebola infections have been reported, 44 of whom have died, including 5 among 11 medical personnel who were infected.
The Ebola outbreak in Uganda has been identified as the Sudan strain, which has a mortality rate of 53%, compared to 68% for the Zaire strain.
Although the outbreak in Uganda remains on limited scale, Dr. Tares stressed the need for Thailand to increase its protection measures.
Symptoms of Ebola include intense weakness, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhoea.
