Five Thais suspected to have MERS after returning from Middle East hinh anh 1Illustrative image (Source: Xinhua/VNA)
 
Bangkok (VNA) 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).

According to the Ministry of Public Health's provincial health office in Hat Yai, about 950 km south of Bangkok, the five pilgrims undergone an initial medical check-up at Hat Yai international airport, and have been suspected for MERS.

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 after they returned from the Middle East.

MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by the MERS-CoV virus that was first identified in humans in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It causes severe acute respiratory illness, including fever, cough, and difficulties with breathing.-VNA
VNA