SAUDI ARABIA: As the haj seasons approaches, the country hosts a conference too discuss measures to tackle the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which has so far killed 44 people

Record ID: 189237

  • Title: SAUDI ARABIA: As the haj seasons approaches, the country hosts a conference too discuss measures to tackle the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which has so far killed 44 people
  • Date: 22nd September 2013
  • Summary: RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA (SEPTEMBER 22, 2013) (REUTERS ) VARIOUS OF ATTENDEES AT THE SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR MASS GATHERING MEDICINE (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) DR. ABDULLAH AL-RABEEAH, SAUDI HEALTH MINISTER, SAYING: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen to strengthen its wealthy experience in the field of health and medical mass gathering which it gained through its long history and through showing its responsibility in directing the huge crowds that arrive in the seasons of Haj and Umrah from all over the world." VARIOUS OF ATTENDEES AT THE CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE APPLAUDING BANNER READING IN ARABIC AND ENGLISH: 'Global Center for Mass Gathering Medicine' VARIOUS OF ATTENDANCE SAUDI HEALTH MINISTER SPEAKING TO TURKISH HEALTH MINSTER (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) DR. ABDULLAH AL-RABEEAH, SAUDI HEALTH MINISTER, SAYING: "I am sure that the gathering of international experts in this conference will help in setting up a mechanism for further research which studies not only the facts about this virus, but also the best ways to prevent it, we hope to find a vaccine to protect all against this virus."
  • Embargoed: 7th October 2013 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Saudi Arabia
  • Country: Saudi Arabia
  • Topics: International Relations
  • Reuters ID: LVAD5P9LO14CESBD19KJ92PWJ9MM
  • Story Text: Saudi Arabia is hosting the second international conference on mass gathering medicine in the capital Riyadh as the country prepares to welcome plane-loads of pilgrims ahead of the haj pilgrimage.
    The four-day conference which started on Friday (September 20) comes as part of the kingdom's efforts to tackle the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which has so far killed 44 people.
    Attending the conference on Sunday (September 22) was Saudi Health Minister Abdullah al-Rabeeah along with other international health experts and officials.
    Al-Rabeeah spoke about the kingdom's efforts in enhancing its expertise in handling healthcare in mass gatherings such as Haj and Umrah.

    "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen to strengthen its wealthy experience in the field of health and medical mass gathering which it gained through its long history and through showing its responsibility in directing the huge crowds that arrive in the seasons of Haj and Umrah from all over the world," he said.
    Millions of Muslim pilgrims are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia for the annual Haj pilgrimage.
    But this year, Saudi authorities are taking extra precautions to prevent the virus from spreading among pilgrims.

    "I am sure that the gathering of international experts in this conference will help in setting up a mechanism for further research which studies not only the facts about this virus, but also the best ways to prevent it, we hope to find a vaccine to protect all against this virus," said al-Rabeeah.
    Two Saudi women have died from the MERS coronavirus and two more have contracted the disease in Saudi Arabia, the health ministry said this month, raising to 44 the number of people in the kingdom who have died from the SARS-like virus.
    The MERS coronavirus, which can cause coughing, fever and pneumonia, emerged last year and has spread from the Gulf to France, Germany, Italy, Tunisia and Britain.
    At least 132 people have been infected with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus since it emerged about a year ago, and it has killed 58 of them, according to the World Health Organisation.
    In a study into what kind of animal "reservoir" may be fuelling the outbreak in humans, scientists said this month they had found strong evidence it is widespread among dromedary camels in the Middle East.
    So far, there has only been sporadic human to human transmission and there is no specific treatment beside general care.
    The WHO, a U.N. agency, has not recommended any travel restrictions but has urged health authorities worldwide to maintain vigilance. Recent travelers returning from the Middle East who develop severe respiratory infections should be tested for MERS-CoV, it said.
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