TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Your letters: MERS issue amid pilgrimage
Epidemic: Health Minister Nila F
Change Size
Epidemic: Health Minister Nila F. Moeloek checks on health facilities for prospective pilgrims at the haj dormitory in Padang, West Sumatra, recently. The minister instructed health workers to remind prospective pilgrims to remain cautious of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) corona virus during their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.(Antara/Iggoy el Fitra) (MERS) corona virus during their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.(Antara/Iggoy el Fitra)
E
span class="inline inline-center">Epidemic: Health Minister Nila F. Moeloek checks on health facilities for prospective pilgrims at the haj dormitory in Padang, West Sumatra, recently. The minister instructed health workers to remind prospective pilgrims to remain cautious of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) corona virus during their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.(Antara/Iggoy el Fitra)
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) has re-emerged in Saudi Arabia, with at least 46 individuals infected and one hospital suspending its operations.
The annual haj pilgrimage is taking place soon, and many will congregate in large numbers in Saudi Arabia and interact at close quarters.
In the light of the health risks and exposure to our Muslim citizens undertaking the haj, and the possibility of the virus making its way here, the Muslim community and the authorities should raise this concern and evaluate the precautions taken thus far.
Those returning from the haj need to be briefed regarding the possibility of exposure, and precautionary and preventive steps ought to be taken and observed closely.
Those who are vulnerable and have compromised immunity may need to be counseled, and perhaps even a postponement of their pilgrimage can be discussed.
Quek Koh Choon (Dr)
The Straits Times/ANN
Singapore
