ISLAMABAD: Hajj pilgrims must adopt precautionary measures against viral disease Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS) as it is transmitted through droplets from coughing and sneezing, says expert.
Talking to a private news channel, Dr Shagufta Ahmad, a specialist in infectious diseases and influenza, said pilgrims should wear protective masks that cover the nose and mouth in crowded places.
"They must follow basic health etiquette while sneezing or coughing," she said.
She advised pilgrims to avoid people who cough and sneeze incessantly, have runny noses, and temperature over 38 degrees Celsius.
She said that to prevent MERS spreading in the holy cities, government must take measures to accommodate the people coming across the globe as it could be more infectious when millions of people are gathering at one place.
To a question, she said that only laboratory tests could confirm whether a person has the virus.
She said pilgrims with seasonal flu would not require antibiotics, however, these pilgrims would have to increase their fluid intake, except those who suffer from renal, respiratory and cardiac pulmonary diseases.
The Saudi Ministry of Health advised Haj pilgrims to wear face masks in the holy cities to protect themselves from the deadly MERS virus while it has also asked the elderly with chronic diseases to postpone their Haj.
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