(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) By adopting certain precautions you can protect yourself: WHO The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday issued preventive messages on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (Mers-CoV) for Haj pilgrims ahead of the annual Muslim pilgrimage that will take place in Saudi Arabia in the next few days.
In three separate advisories for pilgrims the general public and health workers the WHO said the Mers-CoV can cause serious and sometimes deadly illness.
“There is no vaccine or specific treatment for Mers-CoV. However by adopting certain precautions you can protect yourself and others” read the messages for the public and pilgrims.In advice to healthcare workers the WHO said “Practise ... standard infection control precautions ... and encourage others (to do the same). This is the only way you can protect yourself and prevent the spread of Mers-CoV infection in healthcare facilities.”
The UAE Health Ministry has also advised Haj pilgrims from the country to consult a physician before traveling to ensure that they are fit to perform the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims have also been advised to use masks as a preventive measure. The advisory also takes into account the deadly Ebola virus.
Saudi Arabia has assured that they are doing all they can to avoid a Mers-CoV outbreak during the pilgrimage this year.
The virus has killed over 300 people in Saudi Arabia alone since it first emerged in 2012. Dr Hussain Al Rand Assistant Undersecretary for Health Clinics and Centres at the UAE Health Ministry said those suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases have been advised to avoid performing Haj this year as they are at a “higher risk of contracting diseases”.
The ministry has also provided sufficient quantities of vaccines (meningitis and seasonal flu) required for the pilgrimage season in all preventive medicine and primary health care centres that pilgrims are required to take at least 10 days before travel. The vaccine is effective for three years. Saudi Arabia has also set up a hotline where pilgrims can ask health related questions.
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