Novel Influenza 2009 from an English Traveler Case Infected Health Control Interviewing Room’s Doctor at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Abstract

Suvarnabhumi port health officers (26), personnel of Suvarnabhumi airport authority of Thailand
and average 90 personals per day of health volunteers from all provincial health offices has
implemented on arrival screening at Suvarnabhumi airport since 27 April 2009. This report documented
novel influenza 2009 from an English traveler case infected a health control interviewing
room’s doctor. She has developed fever, cough, running nose, myalgia for 3 days after contacted
with confirmed case. She was diagnosed as a confirmed novel influenzae 2009 by Real time Polymerase
chain reaction (RT- PCR). This report emphasized the important of air borne infection control
among health personnel especially doctor and nurses in health control interviewing room (HCIR)
who provided initial diagnosis and treatment for inbound passengers. Airborne precaution should
be in place by 1) administrative control of airborne infection control 2) decreasing concentration of
airborne pathogens by environmental control and 3) provide personal protective equipment and
training for health personnel for reducing risk of health personnel and prevention of epidemic.
Key words: Health Control Interviewing Room (HCIR), Novel influenza 2009, Suvarnabhumi airport