by Theleaders-Online | February 1, 2020 3:10 am
BANGKOK: Thailand today confirmed five new cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus with its first local case of human-to-human transmission, bringing the total number of positive cases to 19.
Permanent Health Secretary Dr Sukhum Karnchanapimai said a local taxi driver who had no history of recent travel to China was diagnosed with the virus.
“The lab test confirmed the taxi driver is positive for coronavirus. He has no record of travelling to epidemic-stricken areas. It is the first local transmission case in the kingdom.
“However, his three family members tested negative. We will closely monitor them,” he said at a press conference, adding that the man’s condition was improving.
The taxi driver fell sick and showed symptoms after picking up a group of Chinese tourists who sought treatment in the city two days ago.
Meanwhile, Sukhum said the 19 confirmed cases include four Chinese tourists from Hubei province. Seven of the 19 have been discharged from hospital.
At present, there are 280 suspected cases reported in Thailand.
Sukhum said the identification of confirmed cases reflects that Thailand has conducted effective surveillance of the disease.
He said experts had assessed that the possibility of infections among the local population in Thailand was still low. Nevertheless, he said: “Thailand will not let its guard down”.
Sukhum added that strict surveillance would continue and the public was recommended to protect themselves from the virus by avoiding crowded places, using protective masks and washing their hands with soap or hand sanitisers, among other measures.
Bernama
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