Thailand confirms first MERS case

BANGKOK - Thailand's public health ministry on Thursday confirmed the country's first case of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Lab results have confirmed the virus contracted by a 75-year- old man from a Middle East country, who came to Thailand to have his heart condition treated, Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin said.

The man is now being quarantined at an infectious diseases institute in central Nonthaburi province, according to Rajata.

Another 59 people who had contact with the infectee are also being monitored, including three of the patient's family members who traveled to Thailand with him, several from the hotel where he used to stay, hospital workers, as well as those who sat near him on the plane, the minister said.