Decrease in MERS Outbreak in South Korea; First Cases Confirmed in Thailand

While South Korea has reported a decrease in the outbreak of the MERS virus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Thailand has confirmed its first case of this deadly virus. On Friday, June 29, the French news agency reported that with the discovery of the first case of MERS in Thailand, it becomes the first Southeast Asian country to be affected in this latest round of the virus outbreak. Thai officials stated that two relatives of a 75-year-old Omani man in the country have contracted the MERS virus. This Omani man, who apparently had MERS, had traveled to Thailand a few days ago for treatment of his heart disease. The Thai Minister of Public Health stated that the Omani man had 'slightly improved' on Friday. An official from the ministry also mentioned that 85 other individuals who were on the plane with this man or had contact with him in hospitals and homes are under surveillance. Meanwhile, in South Korea, where the MERS virus has claimed 24 victims so far, it has been announced that the outbreak is subsiding. Although a new case of the virus has been identified, this is the lowest infection rate in South Korea in the past two weeks. The Ministry of Health of South Korea reported a total of 166 MERS cases in this latest outbreak. The number of individuals in quarantine has also decreased by 12 percent. Despite this, the South Korean government has faced severe criticism for its inadequate initial response to the outbreak. However, Margaret Chan, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, expressed optimism about South Korea's capabilities in dealing with the MERS outbreak. Ms. Chan stated that South Korea is currently in 'good condition' to combat the virus outbreak.