Malaysia increases health screening at all entry points amidst fears of spread

onnaedo

June 22, 2015 2:56 PM

The step up came after the first case of the virus was reported in neighbouring Thailand.

Amidst fears of the spreading Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Malaysia has stepped up health screening at all the entry points into the country.

The step up came after the first case of the virus was reported in neighbouring Thailand.

According to Deputy Health Minister Hilmi Yahaya, airports had already begun monitoring body temperatures at the airports, but this would also be applied to all entry points.

He also said visitors entering the country would also be briefed on precautions to be taken to avoid being infected with the disease.

South Korea has been dealing with the largest outbreak of MERS outside Saudi Arabia, with 27 people so far dead from the virus.

Last week, a 75-year-old man from Oman who had traveled to Bangkok for treatment for a heart condition became the first case of the deadly virus in Thailand.

Thailand's health ministry said at the weekend that 175 people were exposed to its only case of MERS, which was unconnected to the outbreak in South Korea.

onnaedo