MOSCOW, September 25 (RIA Novosti) – The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman are taking all necessary precautionary measures ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca to prevent the spread of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
"There is no vaccine or specific treatment for MERS-CoV. However, by adopting certain precautions you can protect yourself and others," the WHO stated Tuesday.
As necessary precautionary measures the WHO has advised to "practice ... 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."
Saudi Arabia reassured the WHO on Thursday that it is taking all possible precautions, Khaleej Times reported.
The UAE Health Ministry has provided medical centers with vaccines that should be taken 10 days before the pilgrimage. In addition, a hotline for health-related questions has been set up.
The Omani government has also taken certain precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. All the pilgrims deprating from Oman to Mecca will be vaccinated before entering Saudi Arabia, an official at the Awqaf and Religious Affairs Ministry of Oman told The Times of Oman on Thursday. He also confirmed that brochures on the risks of MERS-CoV and masks are being distributed.
According to the WHO, there have been a total of 837 human cases of MERS-CoV infection, including at least 291 deaths. Scientists from the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Colorado State University have found out recently that camels can be primary reservoirs or carriers of MERS-CoV. In a study released Wednesday, scientists claim that the virus transmission is likely to be to people who handle the animals.
The Hajj is a mandatory religious duty – an annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, a city in Saudi Arabia. It should be carried out at least once during a Muslim person's lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place from the 8th to 12th day of the last month of the Islamic calendar. This year it will take place from October 13 to 18.
