Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand (January 31, 2020)
Location: Thailand
Event: On January 31, 2020 the Thailand Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced 19 confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus in Thailand.
There is an ongoing outbreak of pneumonia first identified in Wuhan, China, caused by a novel (new) coronavirus.
Additionally, the MoPH confirmed the first human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus in Thailand. A Thai citizen was infected after coming into close contact with recently arrived Chinese tourists. Thailand’s MoPH is closely monitoring the situation.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Warning recommending against all nonessential travel to China. The CDC website for Thailand encourages people to practice usual precautions.
For the most up-to-date information, U.S. citizens in Thailand are advised to consult the CDC and World Health Organization websites. Both websites provide country-specific information.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information regarding enhanced screening procedures. Thailand specific information can be found here.
- Check with the airlines regarding any flight cancellations and/or restrictions on flying.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Seek medical care right away, if you traveled to Wuhan and feel sick or were exposed to someone who was in Wuhan in the last six weeks who has fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand
+66 2 205 4049
+66 2 205 4000 (after hours)
acsbkk@state.gov
American Citizens Services
State Department – Consular Affairs
+1 888 407 4747 or +1 202 501 4444
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