Health professionals are advising the elderly, young kids, and people with chronic diseases to postpone their travel to Mecca this year to avoid the deadly MERS virus. However, health officials in the region are reminding there is no need for panic, although the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is expecting two million people or more for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia has become the epicenter of a deadly new virus called Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) since its first appearance in September 2012. The virus is very closely related to the SARS virus which killed around 700 people a decade ago. Although MERS is apparently not as contagious as its cousin, it is far deadlier. According to data by the World Health, as of October 4, the total number of infections has reached 136, including 58 deaths. Most of those cases have been identified in Saudi Arabia and the Riyadh region, in particular.
Of the 120 people diagnosed with MERS coronavirus in the kingdom, 49 has died. The Ministry of Health has already advised the elderly and the people with existing medical conditions to stay away from the holy cities this year. And the Minister of Health, Abdulah Al Rabia, said the country and all institutions are prepared for an outbreak, which according to him, is very improbable. He confirmed that there was no increase of the number of infected people during either July’s Umrah pilgrimage, or last year’s Hajj. Anthony Mounts, leading the WHO’s MERS-CoV response in Geneva explained that in fact, there have been no MERS-infected pilgrims so far, although there are many people visiting holy sites in Saudi Arabia all year round. So, the Hajj should not be an issue.
However, health authorities around the Gulf, including Dubai Health Authority in the UAE will be raising awareness among pilgrims. Of course, when it comes to a human-to-human spread virus, huge gatherings of people are very concerning to doctors. But during Hajj, avoiding crowded places is just impossible, say experts. So, the best thing to do, is follow basic hygienic rules and seek medical help if we feel seek after travelling to Saudi Arabia.
