Basic hygiene can help prevent MERS spread: WHO
MANILA — A World Health Organization official is reminding millions of Muslims making a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to exercise basic hygiene as mass gatherings pose risks of spreading the virus responsible for Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
Particles of the MERS virus. An Illinois man probably picked up an infection from the first infected person in the US. However, the Illinois man never showed any symptoms. PHOTO: REUTERS
MANILA — A World Health Organization official is reminding millions of Muslims making a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to exercise basic hygiene as mass gatherings pose risks of spreading the virus responsible for Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
The UN agency has recorded 827 cases of MERS and 287 deaths, mostly in Saudi Arabia. The MERS virus is believed primarily acquired through contact with camels and is spread among humans through body fluids and droplets.
Mr Mark Jacobs, WHO Western Pacific region director for communicable diseases, said today (July 11) that hand washing and keeping away from coughing people are simple ways to prevent the virus’ spread.
He says there’s a low chance of its spread in most settings, but health workers caring for MERS patients, people exposed to camels, and those in large gatherings are at some risk. AP
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