Bangkok, March 1 (IANS): The Thai Ministry of Public Health on Sunday announced the country's first COVID-19 death of a retail worker who initially was diagnosed with dengue fever.

A 35-year-old Thai man, who worked as a salesman, passed away on Saturday at 6.25 pm, said Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general of the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health on Sunday.

According to the department, the patient had admitted himself in a private hospital and was diagnosed with dengue fever on January 27, Xinhua reported.

He later tested positive for COVID-19 and was transferred to Bamrasnaradura Infectious Disease Institute on February 5, and stayed on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).

The health ministry again on Sunday reiterated that any persons suspected of infecting the virus are required to contact public health officials within three hours.

As of Sunday, Thailand has reported 42 cases of infection, with 30 of those discharged.