Development a New Model for Surveillance, Prevention and Control of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) among Pilgrims in Southern of Thailand

Abstract

     This study aimed to: 1) do a situation analysis on existing Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) surveillance system, 2) develop a new model for surveillance, prevention and control of MERS-CoV among the pilgrims in Southern Thailand, 3) study the effectiveness of the new model, and 4) make policy recommendations. This study had four steps.  

     The first step was the situation analysis of problems and needs. The second step was the   development of a new model. The third step was the evaluation. A quasi-experimental study     (one-group posttest only) was conducted. The sample was Hajj pilgrims and personnel in   7 southern provinces for a total of participants. The fourth step was a study on policy        recommendations, using qualitative research. The sample was 9 executives. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The research was done from October 2022            to August 2023. The results of the study were as follows.

     1. No MERS-CoV case was reported Southern Thailand during research period. Previous MERS-CoV surveillance system, as a passive approach, was not covering all activities within the 14 days of pilgrimage.

     2. The model for surveillance, prevention and control of MERS-CoV among Hajj pilgrims in Southern Thailand is called "MERS-PCH", consisting of disease surveillance in 3 important points: a)POE surveillance (surveillance in the international port of entry), b) community surveillance (surveillance in the community), and c) hospital surveillance (surveillance in hospitals).

     3. The effectiveness of the new model was that 53 PUI MERS were detected among screened airport passengers. All of them were investigated. 100% of community staff were able to follow-up on symptoms. The hospitals reported 53 PUI MERS cases, with sensitivity of detection yielding 93.5%, while accuracy was at the 93.5% level, and timely investigation at the 100% level. The satisfaction was at a high level.

     4. It has made policy recommendations to expand this model to other provinces where there are Hajj pilgrims.And can be extended to detect emerging and re-emerging diseases that will occur in Thailand in the future.

     The policy recommendations indicate that the model should be applied in other provinces where there are Hajj pilgrims. It can also be extended to detect emerging and re-emerging diseases that will occur in Thailand in the future.