Rayong man isolated with Mers symptoms

Rayong man isolated with Mers symptoms

A medical worker wearing a protective suit treats a suspected Mers patient at Rayong Hospital Tuesday. (Photo by Jumphol Nikomruk)
A medical worker wearing a protective suit treats a suspected Mers patient at Rayong Hospital Tuesday. (Photo by Jumphol Nikomruk)

A Rayong man suspected of contracting Middle East Respiratory syndrome has been isolated in hospital with a fever and diarrhoea after visiting friends who recently returned from South Korea.

The 27-year-old works at an eastern seaboard petrochemical factory. He was sent to Rayong Hospital Tuesday afternoon after suffering Mers symptoms for two days.

Three friends, who worked at a farm in South Korea, just returned to Thailand and recently visited him in central Rayong. One of the three friends reportedly fell ill and died after returning home to Ubon Ratchathani province.

Mers has killed 36 people and sickened nearly 200 in South Korea since an outbreak was reported in May.

Upon learning his background, hospital staffer wheeled out the patient's bed to a cordoned-off area. He then was moved to an isolation ward for respiratory patients.

Dr Prasit Thong-asadayu said the test results for the suspected Mers patient were pending.

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