South Korea continues to work on managing the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus outbreak within its borders. As the death toll continues to rise, officials confirm a death on Friday which brings the total to 24.
According to CNN, the country's Ministry of Health reported that the latest patient to die from the disease was in his 70s. In addition to the death, one new case has been reported, which brings the total number of cases to 166.
Currently, 112 are receiving treatment as 30 have recovered from the illness. Moreover, the number of individuals quarantine has dropped by 12 percent from the previous day to 5,930. Of that total, 5,161 of which are under house quarantine and 769 undergoing facility quarantine.
The World Health Organization chief Margaret Chan (via Business Insider), South Korea's efforts to contain the outbreak have been been paying off. While response may have begun at a "slow start," efforts have strengthened Chan has expressed guarded optimism saying, "The MERS outbreak will be brought under control... although it may take a little longer than everyone would like to see."
The publication also noted that scientists have reported no genetic change in virus.
South Korea is currently handling the largest outbreak of the virus outside of Saudi Arabia.
First Thailand MERS Case
Thailand confirmed on Thursday that it has its first known case of MERS. BBC reports that the man, whose name has not been released, has been quarantined outside of Bangkok at an infectious diseases facility.
Officials revealed that the75-year-old man travelled recently from Oman to seek medical treatment for a heart condition.
"We advise the public not to panic because the patient and his family members were separated since the beginning," quoted the news outlet of Thailand's Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin said. "Our system is ready and we are monitoring the cases closely."
The New York Times also adds that according to Rajatanavin, the separate laboratories have confirmed the results and the man is currently under quarantine and in stable condition.
The Health Minister also added that the private hospital, which hasn't been revealed, currently attending to the patient has been on alert about MERS and has isolated the patient as well as three of his family members.
Thailand has been a growing medical hub and treatment destination in Asia. The Wall Street Journal reports that the country has been attracting international patients and its medical tourism is estimated to generate at least $4 billion annually.
