Mohammad Dawood Okaz / Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Doctors have cautioned the public of five viruses that may spread during the Haj season. These viruses are: Seasonal influenza, throat inflammation, eye inflammation, stomach influenza, and hepatitis A. Doctors stressed the importance of personal hygiene, avoiding contaminated food, and mixing with the crowd. They said that prevention is the best way to avoid these viruses. Professor of E.N.T. at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah Tarek Jamal said that Haj usually witnesses the spread of seasonal influenza. He said that influenza is not life threatening, but care must be taken to avoid its various viruses. He said that there are 270 variations of influenza, and it is easily transmitted. Using tissues when sneezing, washing hands immediately afterwards, wearing mouth masks, using hand disinfectants, and avoiding crowded places are good deterrents. Dr. Jamal advised influenza patients to consume citrus fruits that contain vitamin C to boost their immunity. Assistant faculty member at the Medical College of Baha University Dr. Mohammad Halawani said that some people do not take the necessary precautions when they have influenza. Eye consultant Dr. Yaser Al-Mazroo'ei cautioned the public of Adino virus, which can easily be transmitted by touching or using contaminated articles. He said that the virus symptoms do not appear for days, and one of the most important symptoms is a severe eye rash which may cause bleeding. These symptoms may last for days, and a patient remains as a possible transmitter for two weeks. Nutrition consultant Dr. Khalid Al-Madani said that pilgrims are susceptible to viruses and bacteria during the Haj season. Viruses cannot exist without a live media to allow it to propagate. Bacteria, however, is self-dependent. He pointed out that viruses are much more difficult to treat, as they become embedded in the patient. Some viruses are life threatening, such as hepatitis A, which is transmitted by contaminated food or drinks. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is ramping up efforts to keep millions of pilgrims safe from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). While the MOH had not reported any known cases of MERS-CoV stemming from Haj, there are still concerns that the elderly, children and those with compromised immunity could be susceptible to a deadly virus. The MOH has been continuously updating any and all known cases to the World Health Organization (WHO) since February, when the illness was only labeled as a Novel Coronavirus. Since the MOH's report on February 21, 2013, MERS-CoV illnesses have climbed from 13 to 136 and from seven to 58 deaths.
Most people who have fallen ill and/or died from this virus have been elderly and with underlying health conditions. However, children have also been susceptible to this virus, with several known cases.
