Pilgrims have been urged to be strongly vigilant and to immediately report any symptoms of infectious diseases to health authorities in the Kingdom or in their home countries, according to a joint press statement issued here by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and World Health Organization (WHO).

“This year’s Haj was free of epidemic diseases, but the pilgrims in particular and the public at large across the Kingdom have been asked to remain vigilant to any symptoms of infectious diseases and immediately report to local health authorities in Saudi Arabia or their home countries,” the statement said.

In addition to common infectious diseases like influenza, the ministry continues to remain focused on the public-health issues associated with coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Ebola virus during the current season. It remains on alert for any signs of these or other infectious diseases as pilgrims head home.

“We have worked with the WHO to prevent the spread of infectious diseases during this Haj season, but a lot of our success is attributable to the steps our guests have taken to protect the community,” said Dr. Anees Sindi, deputy commander of the Ministry’s Command & Control Center.

“To prevent infection, please continue to wash your hands as often as possible and avoid contact with sick people or camels. If you fall ill, seek treatment right away,” he added

He also requested the public to dial 937 to reach the MOH Emergency Call Center, which provides urgent medical consultations to patients and health care workers. If symptoms appear outside Saudi Arabia, pilgrims should contact their doctor or visit the closest hospital.

WHO representative in the Kingdom Dr. Hassan El Bushra said: “In our view, this year’s Haj preparation was a model to be followed, but it is important that pilgrims continue to be cautious after the end of Haj and continue to practice infectious disease control measures,.

Besides the infectious diseases common during the annual Haj, the two deadly viruses of MERS-CoV and Ebola were the core of attention this time.

MERS-CoV is a highly contagious virus that spreads through direct contact with people — and possibly camels — who are infected with the virus. Symptoms include cough, high fever, congestion and shortness of breath. In some cases, the patient has diarrhea.

So, the MOH recommended the following practices to prevent infection from MERS-CoV: Wash hands with soap and water, avoid contact with sick people, refrain from touching the eyes or nose, cough into a tissue or the elbow and then wash the hands carefully, avoid close contact with camels, and maintain good hygiene habits in general.

The incubation period is up to two weeks, so pilgrims should remain alert for any signs of infection after they return home, the ministry stated and requested the public on its website to learn more about MERS-CoV.

Regarding the Ebola virus which spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, the ministry urged any person exhibiting symptoms of the disease to immediately consult the nearest physician or health care facility.