Middle East respiratory syndrome and Hajj

Abstract

Since the emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome in Saudi Arabia in 2012, it has been acknowledged as a major global public health threat. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) serves as one of the biggest hosts for millions of pilgrims. However, owing to the potential of the virus to spread internationally, overcrowding, and tough physical conditions for the pilgrims, it is quite a tricky situation for the travelers planning to visit Saudi Arabia. Experts have recommended that the current situation in KSA does not meet the criteria to be acknowledged as a public health emergency of international concern. Indirectly, it means that currently there is no public health justification to suggest that travel or trade should be restricted to Saudi Arabia. To conclude, travel to Saudi Arabia by the pilgrims for Hajj has been declared safe and no restrictions have been imposed. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of policy makers, health professionals, and pilgrims themselves to prevent any major outbreak by adhering to the recommendations proposed by the International Health Regulations.