Thailand: Health Ministry warns Haji pilgrims about MERS risk

In Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health is urging citizens who are going to Saudi Arabia to perform the Haji pilgrimage to be extra cautious due to an outbreak of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) in the country. Nine cases have so far been detected by Saudi authorities, as well as two deaths. Most cases were reported in Riyadh and involved healthcare workers who contracted the virus while treating infected patients. Commenting on the situation, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, permanent secretary of the Thailand Health Ministry, reminded the public that MERS primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. Its symptoms are cough, fever, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, the disease can result in pneumonia and death. Thai pilgrims are advised to stay away from camels in outbreak areas and to follow simple precautions like washing their hands frequently and wearing a mask. To prevent the spread of the disease, the Health Ministry has sent a medical team to Saudi Arabia and will monitor the pilgrims’ health for 14 days after their return to Thailand.