"Avoid direct contact with camels, including taking photos with them or drinking camel milk on farms, and refrain from consuming camel products that are not guaranteed to be clean,"
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Health reminded Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to beware of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) transmission during their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

"Although the cases are only a few and under control, pilgrims and Hajj officers must always be vigilant," Head of the Health Division of the PPIH Saudi Arabia, Dr. Mohammad Imran, noted in a statement on Friday.

Based on information from the official website of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health reported nine confirmed positive cases of MERS-CoV between March 1 and April 21, 2025.

Eight cases were detected in the Riyadh area and one in Hail, resulting in two fatalities.

Of those cases, seven were identified in Riyadh, including six health workers who contracted nosocomial infections from an infected patient they were treating.

Imran explained that MERS-CoV is a serious respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus.

He stated that the disease can be transmitted through close contact with infected animals, especially camels, or via respiratory droplets from person to person.

He added that common symptoms of MERS-CoV include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, which may progress to more severe complications.

He noted that the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic (KKHI) in Mecca and Medina is prepared to provide medical services for pilgrims exhibiting symptoms of respiratory infections.

"Avoid direct contact with camels, including taking photos with them or drinking camel milk on farms, and refrain from consuming camel products that are not guaranteed to be clean," he advised.

Pilgrims are also advised to wear masks in crowded places, practice a clean and healthy lifestyle, and maintain good hand hygiene by always washing their hands before and after activities.

Imran then called on pilgrims to immediately report to Hajj health officers if they experience symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing, so they can receive timely examination and treatment.

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Translator: Tri Meilani/Teguh Priyanto, Resinta S
Editor: Arie Novarina
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