Government warns mecca pilgrims against coronavirus

Saudi government warns mecca pilgrims against coronavirus

07/14/2013

Millions of Muslims make pilgrimages every year to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Ministry of Health is warning this year of the dangerous coronavirus, and is above all calling on elderly people, pregnant women, children and people with chronic illnesses to postpone Hajj for another year.

Especially in the Arab region
According to recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 45 people have died from the novel coronavirus, which has been known since summer 2012. So far, 81 cases of illness have been registered worldwide, most of them in Saudi Arabia, where it was also the first death in June 2012. Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have reported more infections, and patients in the region have spread the infection to other countries. According to the Robert Koch Institute, there have been two cases in Germany so far, one of them deadly. Coronavirus has also been detected in other European countries, such as France.

Danger to the whole world
The MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) pathogen, which is related to the SARS virus, triggers flu-like symptoms and can lead to kidney failure and severe pneumonia. WHO sees the virus as „Danger to the whole world“ estimated. So far, neither the original source of infection has been clarified nor how it is transmitted. However, one can conclude from previous infection cases that the novel coronavirus can also be passed on from person to person.

Further vaccinations recommended
The Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj, is one of the so-called five pillars of Islam in addition to fasting in Ramadan and leads millions to Saudi Arabia year after year. Mecca pilgrims are advised to be vaccinated against meningitis and to prove this at entry. In addition, vaccinations against flu and polio are recommended. The faithful are encouraged during the pilgrimage in October to wash their hands regularly with soap and to use a handkerchief when coughing and sneezing. If there is a mass rush, is advised to a mouthguard. (Ad)

Image: Cornelia Menichelli