HPA warns against spread of MERS

Maldives Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a health alert advising the public to be cautious of the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Coronavirus, as pilgrims begin to return from Saudi Arabia after their Ramadan Umrah pilgrimage.

“The Agency would like to advise the pilgrims returning from Umrah and their families to be cautious of the MERS Coronavirus flu, of which we have received reports from the Middle East,” read the HPA health alert.

People diagnosed with MERS infection have symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.

HPA advises people to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses by taking care to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, and thoroughly dispose of the tissue, to avoid crowded public places and to thoroughly wash their hands often with soap and water.

The agency has also advised pilgrims returning from Umrah to promptly consult a doctor within 14 days of their arrival if they feel symptoms of fever and cough.

MERS is a serious viral respiratory illness that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It has been identified in at least 834 people, and at least 288 have died from the condition, according to the World Health Organization.