South Korean Lady Becomes The First Foreigner To Contract Wuhan Virus After Visiting Thailand

The Wuhan virus situation is worsening, both in China and around the world.

In China, the number of confirmed deaths has increased to over 400 within a span of one day, with 64 new deaths.

The number of confirmed cases in China has increased as well, from 17,200 to more than 20,400.

But Things Are Also Deteriorating Outside China

So far, governments are going as far as to prevent entry to people arriving from China.

But on 4 Feb 2020, the entire situation might change.

Previously, most of the cases were people contracting the coronavirus after a visit to China. But now, a woman who visited Thailand contracted the coronavirus as well.

South Korean Lady The First Foreigner To Contract Coronavirus Visiting Southeast Asia

According to Channel Newsasia, South Korean officials said that a 42-year-old South Korean lady tested positive for the Wuhan virus on 4 Feb 2020.

She is the first foreigner to contract the coronavirus after visiting a Southeast Asia country.

She flew back to South Korea on 19 Jan 2020 after travelling in Thailand.

On 25 Jan 2020, she developed chills and other symptoms of the coronavirus.

Thankfully, her condition improved on Sunday and they were able to confirm her case on Tuesday.

Thailand Prepared For Local Transmission

Back on 28 Jan 2020, the Thailand government was worried. They have the highest number of coronavirus cases outside China.

All of the cases are Chinese nationals travelling from China.

However, they are preparing themselves for the “worst case” situation, which involves the local transmission of the coronavirus.

“We’re aware of that risk. It may not be so high but not so low either. It’s possible we’ll begin to detect local transmission. So, we’ll make preparations for that in advance.”

Back then, they remained confident that their health system, ranked sixth out of 195 countries, will be able to tackle any outbreak of the coronavirus.

Thailand did not restrict entry to Chinese travellers despite having one of the highest numbers of confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

Nothing Beats Washing Your Hands

Here’s a gentle reminder to Singaporeans:

Wearing a face mask isn’t enough to protect you from the coronavirus. In fact, wearing a face mask the wrong way might just get you into trouble instead.

Always wash your hands and maintain your personal hygiene to stay safe. And, of course, only wear a mask when you’re sick.

You can check out the latest Wuhan coronavirus situation in Singapore here.