Five Thais suspected to have MERS after returning from Middle East
Thai health authorities said on September 14 five Muslims who have returned to southern Thailand from Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia have been suspected of having been infected with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Bangkok (VNA) – Thai health authorities said on September 14 fiveMuslims who have returned to southern Thailand from Hajj pilgrimage in SaudiArabia have been suspected of having been infected with the Middle EastRespiratory Syndrome (MERS).
According to the Ministry of Public Health's provincial health office in HatYai, about 950 km south of Bangkok, the five pilgrims undergone an initialmedical check-up at Hat Yai international airport, and have been suspected forMERS.
They will be closely monitored within 14 days by the local authorities.
A total of 289 pilgrims undergone medical check-up at Hat Yai airport afterthey returned from the Middle East.
MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by the MERS-CoV virus that was firstidentified in humans in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It causes severe acute respiratoryillness, including fever, cough, and difficulties with breathing.-VNA
A Thai resident who just returned from a pilgrimage to the Holy Mecca city, Saudi Arabia, is suspected of catching the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
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Illustrative image (Source: Xinhua/VNA) 
