Four of the 138 Thai citizens evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan on Tuesday night were found to have a fever. They have been isolated and taken to the hospital at the Royal Thai Navy’s Sattahip base for observation, in accordance with infectious disease protocols.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who was at U-tapao airport last night to welcome all 138 evacuees, and the medical team who went to Wuhan to receive them, said that doctors suspected the fever might be caused by anxiety, fatigue and dehydration.

He said that, if tests, the results of which are expected today, show that the six returnees are clear of novel coronavirus, they will be discharged to join the others at the special lodgings in the naval base.

The minister added that all the returnees were in high spirits and will be kept under observation by a medical team during their 14-day quarantine period.

Disease Control Department director-general Dr. Suwanchai Wattanayigchaorenchai explained that the 138 Thais were given only one bottle of drinking water and one box of sandwiches during the flight back from Wuhan and, therefore, it is possible that some of them might feel stressed, anxious and thirsty, resulting in elevated body temperatures.

He said doctors will assess the condition of all the 138 returnees every 12 hours, adding that psychiatrists are on standby to provide them with counselling. Video links are available to allow the returnees to communicate with their families.

The flight crew and the 15 medics also underwent physical checks to ensure they did not have a fever and were sprayed with disinfectant before they were allowed to leave.