Concern about MERS virus at the Hajj, Saudi Arabia

With the Hajj scheduled in 2013 for Oct. 13-18, the Saudi Arabian government has joined with the World Health Organization in alerting pilgrims to Mecca to avoid possible infection by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Considered a serious infection, the MERS coronavirus was discovered in 2012 in four countries: Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and the UAE. It is passed by close contact with an infected person, and the incubation period is seven to fourteen days. Three million people are expected to attend the Hajj, and most will return home to other countries.

Normal precautions of washing hands frequently, disinfecting surfaces frequently, avoiding persons who are visibly ill and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing are recommended. 

Of 103 reported cases since September 2012, there have been 49 deaths. Most of those occurred in individuals who had other health concerns. It is recommended that the following postpone their trips to Mecca: people over 65, children under 12, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases (heart, kidney, diabetes or respiratory) and those with weakened immune systems. 

For travel recommendations and more info, visit www.who.int and www.cdc.gov.