Holy cities ‘free of MERS’

No person has been found infected with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Coronavirus in Makkah and Madinah, the Health Ministry said on Friday.
This clean bill of health could be attributed to the ministry’s comprehensive preventative measures at airports and border points, ministry spokesman Khaled Al-Mirghlani said. Health facilities in Makkah have treated 16,532 pilgrims since the start of Ramadan but not one person was found with MERS, he said.
There were no new cases of MERS recorded in the Kingdom on Friday. Since June 2012, the Health Ministry has reported 1,039 cases including 460 deaths, 575 recoveries and four people currently undergoing treatment in various hospitals. 
Under its prevention plan for the Umrah season, the ministry has focused on infectious diseases, epidemiological control and instant medical treatment. “The programs include the vaccination campaigns against meningitis for citizens and residents of the holy city and seasonal flu target groups, environmental sanitation activities and monitoring of drinking water,” he said.
On an initiative from Health Minister Khaled Al-Falih, the ministry launched a daily 24-hour program to provide health care for pilgrims during Ramadan. “All the health facilities from King Abdulaziz International Airport to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are equipped with qualified medics and paramedics to help pilgrims maintain good health during their stay in the Kingdom,” he said.
Of the 16,532 people treated so far this month, there were 9,507 emergencies, 3,076 outpatient and 3,949 in-house cases. The official said the Ajyad Emergency Hospital, which operates around the clock, has well-equipped emergency and intensive care units.
Meanwhile, the ministry has advised pilgrims over 65 years of age, who are not in good health, to postpone their pilgrimage until they are better. Patients suffering from acute diabetes, renal failure, hypertension and cardiac problems, and sick children below 12, have also been asked to delay their Umrah this season.
The ministry, through overseas Saudi missions, has instructed incoming pilgrims to produce vaccination certificates against yellow fever, meningitis, polio and influenza depending on the countries of origin.
Most pilgrims from Africa and South America have been advised to have vaccinations against yellow fever, which is endemic to these regions.