WHO changes Thailand status on Zika virus

BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already changed the status of the spreading of Zika virus from red to light purple in Thailand, creating more confidence for foreign tourists visiting the kingdom, said a spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Spokesman Sek Wannamethee said the WHO had earlier detailed the outbreak of Zika virus in the world and placed Thailand at a worrisome position like certain countries in Latin America. He said both his ministry and the Public Health Ministry had constantly explained to the WHO on the situation of the outbreak infection in which the first known patient in the country was reported in 2012. On average, about five patients suffering from Zika virus are reported in Thailand, said Mr Sek. By using old information dated back 10 years ago could cause misunderstanding among the foreigners. After learning Thailand’s concerns on the inaccurate information, the WHO has changed the country’s position to the light purple, he added. (TNA)