WHO - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Most countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and many are experiencing outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings become available.
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
- Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and others. Why? When someone coughs, sneezes, or speaks they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person has the disease.
- Avoid going to crowded places. Why? Where people come together in crowds, you are more likely to come into close contact with someone that has COVID-19 and it is more difficult to maintain physical distance of 1 metre (3 feet).
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and infect you.
- Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
- Stay home and self-isolate even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover. Have someone bring you supplies. If you need to leave your house, wear a mask to avoid infecting others. Why? Avoiding contact with others will protect them from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention, but call by telephone in advance if possible and follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
- Keep up to date on the latest information from trusted sources, such as WHO or your local and national health authorities. Why? Local and national authorities are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
Novel Coronavirus outbreak Situation latest updated on 20 November 2020
World Health Organization Announcing the global coronary epidemic infection outbreak 2019 is still serious The most infected people since the outbreak And concerned about the situation of peak addicts
Infection in low-medium-income countries Therefore issued a warning that the global spread of the disease is not yet final.
- As of 20 November 2020, there were a total of 59,922,150 confirmed cases and 1,360,708 COVID-19 deaths. The 5 countries with the most confirmed COVID-19 cases include: the United States, India, Brazil, France, Russia
- The Disease Situation in Thailand latest updated on 17 November 2020
| Confirmed case |
3,878 |
cases |
| Recovered |
3,724 |
cases |
| Admit |
94 |
cases |
| Deaths |
60 |
cases |
- The Division of Epidemiology (DOE) Director, Department of Disease Control (DDC), revealed the further investigation results of the COVID-19 Korean soldier case that currently the close contacts and the involved places have been under investigation. The total number of contacted soldiers is not yet finalized. However, up to the present, no Thai soldiers who participated in the meeting have found to be infected. Moreover, the RTA Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (RTA CCSA) has informed all involved soldiers to be under the disease control measures of the RTA CCSA and have already received the first testing.
- All have been under the 14-day home quarantine measure. Regarding this, the Royal Thai Army Medical Department by the Phramongkutklao Hospital and the Regional Army Camp Hospitals, will investigate the disease, observe symptoms, provide knowledge and advice on strict personal disease preventive practices for the army workforces, families and close contracts. For the high risk contacted Thai soldiers quarantined at the Sattahip Reception Building in Rayong province, the Governor of Rayong province revealed that the laboratory testing showed negative test results. The low risk groups have been under strict home quarantine.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a Special Tourist Visa (STV) for no more than 60 days stay in Thailand and a maximum of 90 days extension. The applicant must come from COVID-19 low-risk countries, is holding a saving account of at least 500,000 THB, a COVID-19 free test certificate within 72 hours prior to travel, a 100,000 USD health insurance and a 40,000 THB outpatient insurance. They are also required to be under the 14 day-quarantine regime upon arrival.
Risk Assessment of COVID-19 Situation
On November 12, 2020, new infected cases were those traveling from abroad. Some of them had a history of prior infection. This showed that there is a possibility to detect the genetic materials of the virus among them. In addition, during the past 1 month, most of the new cases detected were still those in the working age group (aged between 20 to 60 years).
Risk Communication to the Public
- In case of traveling to areas and across areas by public transport, the public transport operator must prepare the system and comply with the disease control measures, i.e. cleaning the vehicle, screening passengers, encouraging passengers to wear a mask, limiting bus services during certain periods, arranging distance between seats, and limiting the number of passengers. Customers must wear a mask at all times while traveling, refrain from talking and eating on public transport, and register each time they enter/leave the service area.
- For other business places/enterprises, operators are recommended to keep the areas clean, encourage people to wear a mask, limit the number of customers in accordance with the COVID-19 control measures.
- For people visiting crowded places or closed areas such as meeting rooms, department stores, and movie theatres, they are recommended to wear a mask, keep a distance of at least 1-2 meters from other people, and limit contact with other people to be only for a short period of time.
- Regularly wash hands with water and soap or use alcohol gel. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands.
- Do not use or share personal stuff with others (i.e. handkerchiefs, glasses, and towels) since pathogens causing respiratory disease can be transmitted to other people through secretions.
- Avoid eating raw food.
IC Actions: Preparedness and response plan to prevent infection in hospitals
- Preparedness for the outbreak situation with the relevant departments to establish COVID-19 command center since January 4, 2020 as well as review the work flow and emerging disease drill (called IC code)
- Review and communicate workflow in patient services to be safe both for patients and staff in a COVID-19 situation.
- Training and knowledge circulation for medical professionals and hospital staff.
- Facility: Negative Pressure room are available and ready to use. Designated area for high risk patient with symptoms of respiratory disease.
- Stockpile of personal protective equipment is sufficient and ready for use.
- Develop a hospital laboratory to support SARS-CoV-2 virus testing.
- IC team monitoring the outbreak global and nation situation closely cooperate with the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). Set up and update screening form at entrances.
- Collaborate with the team to provide equipment to support safety measures and provide assurance to clients such as Xenex, EOS (Extra aerosol Oral Suction), LUCAS.
- Collaborate with the medical transport team to transfer patients and relatives from the international for treatment. Be a part of the team on setting up Alternative State Quarantine and Hospital State Quarantine.
Global concerns situation: WHO updated on 18 November 2020
- Ebola :Summary of Ebola Situation latest updated on 18 Nov 2020
- From 1 June to 18 November 2020, a total of 130 EVD cases including 119 confirmed. There were 55 deaths recorded (overall proportion of deaths among reported cases was 42%)
- SARS-CoV-2 mink-associated variant strain – Denmark ( 6Nov 2020)
- Since June 2020, 214 human cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Denmark with SARS-CoV-2 variants associated with farmed minks, including 12 cases with a unique variant, reported on 5 November. All 12 cases were identified in September 2020 in North Jutland, Denmark. The cases ranged in age from 7 to 79 years, and eight had a link to the mink farming industry and four cases were from the local community.
- MERS-CoV :Summary of MERS Situation latest updated on 2 July 2020
- Between 1 April and 31 May 2020, the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported nine new cases of MERS-CoV infection. The cases were reported from Riyadh (seven cases), Assir (one case) and Northern (one case) Regions.
- From 9 through 13 January 2020, the National IHR Focal Point of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) notified WHO of 2 laboratory-confirmed case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.The patient owns a camel farm located in Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi region in UAE.
- On 18 February 2020, the National IHR Focal Point for Qatar reported 1 laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) infection to WHO. There are family relative and living in Doha, Qatar.
- Since 2012 until 31 May 2020, the total number of laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV infection cases reported globally to WHO is 2,562 with 881 associated deaths.
Thailand situation : MOPH updated on 21 July 2020
Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health Issuing a public warning to prevent diseases and health hazards occurring during the rainy season in Thailand 2020, dated 21 July 2020. The diseases that are more likely to encounter patients during the rainy season are divided as follows
1.Dengue fever : Thailand has entered the rainy season which is the dengue season, some areas with rainfalls will leave outdoor stagnant water in natural and artificial water containers that serve as mosquito breeding sites. Dengue is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Common symptoms of dengue include abrupt high grade fever that lasts 2 to 5 days, headache, eye socket pain, body ache, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, coughing without running nose, facial skin redness, skin petechiae on arms, legs, and joints. For patients with the warning signs, occurring especially when temperature declines, including bleeding from nose or gums, drowsiness or irritability, pale, cold, or clammy skin or difficulty breathing, and shock, a special medical care at the hospital for life saving is urgently needed. The patients with high risk of dengue complications and severe illness are those with chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart diseases, obesity, asthma, alcoholism, thalassemia, those who had previous dengue infection as well as patients with delay hospital visits.
2.
Chikungunya : is transmitted to humans by bites of infected Aedes mosquitos of both species: Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) which stays indoor and Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquito or forest mosquito) which stays in cultivated land. Chikungunya symptoms include an abrupt fever, skin rash, muscle pain, nausea and fatigue. The characterized symptoms are severe joint swelling and joint pain which usually last for many weeks or months. There is no plasma leakage leading to shock.However, patients should promptly seek hospital medical care for relief of symptoms.
Patients, with history of travelling to or live in risk areas especially the Southernregion within 14 days before symptoms develop, should inform the risk history to the doctors.
DDC strongly urges public participation among people in all households, communities, and workplaces to routinely eliminate mosquito breeding sites using the mosquito control measure called “3 Do’s to prevent 3 diseases (dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus)”, i.e. 1) cover water-storage containers, change water in small containers every 7 days and eliminate all outdoor mosquito breeding sites, 2) dispose garbage properly, and 3) keep houses tidy without any corners suitable for mosquitoes to rest.
3. Influenza, or flu : The influenza viruses are mainly spread person to person by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Therefore, people with flu-like illness (fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy or runny nose, and muscle aches) should be absent for home care, avoid close contact to and sharing utensils with others to prevent spreading of influenza viruses. They should wear face masks, or cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, and wash hands often. Medicines for relieve symptoms, enough bed rest and drinking water help patients to recover within 5 to 7 days. However, those who take medicines to relieve influenza illness but symptoms do not improve within 2 days, or those with worsen illness such as shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, confusion or sudden dizziness, a hospital medical care is immediately needed.
4.
Pneumonia : Most pathogens are bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, viruses such as influenza, coronavirus 2019 caused by an infection of the alveoli within the lung tissue. By inhaling pathogens into the lungs Causing inflammation of surrounding tissues. The Department of Disease Control advises people, especially young children under 5 years, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases who may have weakened immunity and are at risk of severe illness, to protect themselves well from pneumonia by these practices, i.e. 1) have young children vaccinated against diseases such as influenza, measles and whooping cough (pertussis), 2) give babies exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life to improve children's natural defences, 3) keep warm with proper clothes, 4) have regular exercise and enough rest, 5) maintain good hygiene especially hand washing.
People with flu-like illness should be isolated and maintain strict personal hygiene. Frequent cleansing of sharing spaces especially touching surfaces such as door knobs that might be contaminated with the viruses is helpful. Hand-washing facilities with soap or alcohol hand sanitizer, and face masks should be provided. The DDC also advises people to protect themselves well from the disease and to maintain good personal hygiene. All should wash hands often and practice social distancing, i.e. avoid close contact and sharing of personal items with people who have respiratory symptoms (e.g. coughing, sneezing, running nose), wear masks in crowded places, eat newly cooked foods as well as fruits, drink 6-8 glasses of water, exercise regularly, have enough sleep, and wear proper cloths to keep warm. Patients, who take medicines to relieve influenza illness but symptoms do not improve within 2 days, or those with worsen illness such as shortness of breath or rapid breathing, a hospital medical care is immediately needed. Hospital care is usually crucial for severe illness at risk groups including the elderly, young children aged 6 months to 2 years, pregnant women, obese people weigh 100 kg. or more, people with underlying diseases and health care personnel.
5. Hand Mouth Disease (HFMD) : HFMD is spread from an infected person to others through direct contact with nasal mucus, saliva, droplets made when people with the disease cough or sneeze, blister fluid, and stool. The illness is typically mild, and fever disappears in 2 to 3 days.
The Department of Disease Control advises that HFMD patients should be isolated for medical care followed by home care. However, urgent hospitalization is needed in patients with warning signs such as high fever, stiff neck, cold sweating, lethargy, recurrent vomiting, rapid breathing, excessive tiredness, irritability, myoclonic jerks, drowsiness and limb weakness. Kindergartens, child daycare centers, and nurseries are recommended to screen children on a daily basis by observing HFMD symptoms, provide health education and encourage children to wash their hands often especially before having meals and after using toilets. Facilities and utensils should be kept clean and hygienic. It is also safer to provide separate utensils, especially water cup, for each child.
Infection Control Department has updated weekly the information about national and international contagious to relevant department by referring from World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Disease Control Ministry of Public Health. The purpose is for the information to department involved as follows. However, Infectious Control still provide information and consultation all through 24 hours. If you have any question, please contact :
- 5 digit Chulaluk S. 44279
- Infection Control Department Tel 02-0114831
National & International Contagious Disease Updated Week 46, 2020 : 14 - 20 November, 2020 with the following details :
1. Global situation (Ref: World Health Organization)
|
Disease
|
Province Concern
|
|
MERS-CoV
|
- Saudi Arabia : (Update 2 July 2020)
Riyadh , Assir and Northern
- The United Arab Emirates: (Update 13 Jan 2020)
Abu Dhabi
- Qatar (Update 18 Feb 2020)
|
|
Ebola Virus Disease
|
-Democratic Republic of the Congo : (Update 18 Nov 2020)
|
|
Measles
|
-Democratic Republic of the Congo : (Update 6 May 2020)
-Maxico (Update 21 April 2020)
|
|
Dengue fever
|
-France (Update 23 April 2020)
- Chile (Update 7 Feb 20)
|
|
Yellow fever
|
- France (Update 1 Aug 2020)
- Gabon ( Update 17 Jun 2020)
- Ethiopia ( Update 3 Mar 2020)
- Sudan ( Update 3 Mar 2020)
|
|
Lassa Fever
|
Nigeria (Update 9 Feb 2020)
|
|
Chikungunya
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo (Update 1 May 19)
|
|
Avian Influenza
|
-Nepal (H5N1)
-Chinese Taipei (H5N2)
(Update 27 Jun 19 no new case of Human Infection)
|
|
Plague
|
-Democratic Republic of the Congo : (Update 23 July 2020)
|
2. National Situation (Ref: Department of Disease Control Ministry of Public Health)
|
Dengue
|
Reported case From 1 Jan, 2020 – 10 Nov 2020: 67,285 cases with 48 deaths.
Top 5 Province
1. Mae Hong Son 2. Rayong
3. Nakhon Ratchasima 4. Chaiyaphum
5. Chai Nat
|
|
Chikungunya
|
Reported case From 1 Jan, 2020 – 7 Nov 2020: 10,397 cases. Top 5 Province
1. Chanthaburi 2. Uthai Thani
3. Lamphun 4. Rayong
5. Loei
|
|
Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2)/ B
|
Reported case From 1 Jan, 2020 – 9 Nov 2020 : 116,052 cases with 3 deaths.
Top 5 Province
1. Phayao 2.Chiang Mai
3. Nong Khai 4. Rayong
5. Bangkok
|
|
Pneumonia
|
Reported case From 1 Jan, 2020 – 9 Nov 2020: 160,488 cases with 119 deaths.
Top 5 Province
1. Ubon Ratchathani 2. Amnat Charoen
3. Khon Kaen 4. Sri Sa Ket
5. Maha Sarakham
|
|
Hand foot mouth
|
Reported case From 1 Jan, 2020 – 10 Nov 2020: 20,539 cases.
Top 5 Provinces
1. Surin . 2. Songkhla
3. Phatthalung 4. Narathiwat
5. Chumphon
|