MERS Outbreak Could Spread With Annual Pilgrimage: Officials

Outbreaks of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, may not be a global emergency, but the annual mass pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, known as the Hajj could allow the virus to spread. The syndrome first appeared in 2012. The disease has since caused 500 fatalities and spread to 16 nations. Research from the World Health Organization suggests that camels are carriers, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Public health officials will be on alert with the high numbers on the pilgrimage, most from the US. WHO deems the risks of infection low, and continues broader research on the disease´s transmission paths. Public health officials in developed nations monitor symptoms and make fast announcements as was the case with an Illinois man; subsequent tests showed he did not have the disease. The concern is that MERS could have serious impact in developing countries that lack public health security. – YaleGlobal