A 42-year-old woman suspected of contracting swine flu virus was found to have ordinary flu, but she will remain in hospital for several days to further assess the symptoms, Public Health Ministry said Tuesday.
The woman suspected of being infected with swine flu virus was admitted Bangkok-based Chulalongkorn Hospital and was quarantined from other patients to assess the symptoms on Tuesday after falling ill with a high fever of 37 degrees Celsius, hospital vice- director Dr. Theerapong Chareonvit said.
The woman spent April 3-11 in Mexico for a seminar and went to California in the United States the following week before returning to Thailand, Theerapong said. Medical workers also monitored family members who interacted with the patient.
Chulalongkorn Hospital laboratory test results were negative, but the patient must remain in hospital awaiting other test results from a Medical Sciences Department laboratory, the Thai News Agency quoted Permanent Secretary for Public Heath Dr. Prat Boonyawongviroj as saying.
The Medical Science Department lab findings are expected within 48 hours, he said, adding that the result would eventually be reported to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Meanwhile, The ministry issued a warning on Tuesday for people to avoid travelling to the United States and Mexico.
Dr. Sakarindr Bhumiratana, director of Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) said the agency will complete production of swine flu vaccine within 2-3 weeks.
In an attempt to prevent the outbreak of swine flu in Thailand, government deputy spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said that the Cabinet has approved stepping up swine flu preventive measures.
"1,030 rapid mobile units are set to monitor and detect suspected patients who may be infected with new virus strain in every district to control the virus from spreading quickly. Fourteen laboratories are ready to test and issue results within four hours," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency April 28, 2009)
