Returned from Umrah, 11 Jakartans Become MERS Virus Suspects

For Muslim who wants to do pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia must be more careful because now the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) outbreak has caused over 100 casualties. One of them is an Indonesian from Medan, North Sumatera, who died after returned from the holy land.

There were 11 pilgrims of MERS suspects. But after we checked, the result is negative

In Jakarta, it is recorded that 11 people who just returned from umrah (minor haj) were suspected having MERS symptoms. But after further examination, the 11 pilgrims are negative from the virus.

“ There were 11 pilgrims of MERS suspects. But after we checked, the result is negative ,” stated Head of Health Department, Dien Emmawati, Friday (5/9).

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According to Emmawati, after arrived at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, the pilgrims will directly undergo scanning process. If symptoms were found, they will be directly taken to Sulianti Saroso Infection Disease Hospital which has been appointed by Religious Ministry to check the health of pilgrims who have arrived from umrah or hajj.

“The (MERS) symptoms are cough and fever. The pilgrims who have arrived will be directly scanned in the airport. The procedure is directly done by the Health Ministry,” she told.

Meanwhile, to prevent city pilgrims from getting infected by this dangerous virus while they are in Saudi Arabia, Jakarta Health Department has conducted socialization to travel agencies as well as doctors in hospitals and community health centers.

Especially for travel agencies, they are requested not to take the pilgrims visiting camel farm. While the pilgrims, they are urged not to drinking the milk of young camel because the virus spreads through camel. Moreover, the pilgrims are also asked to diligently wash hands.

“We told it to every travel agency that dispatches umrah and hajj pilgrims. The key of MERS prevention is to live clean and healthy. Stay away from animal, because there are many MERS virus in young camel. We also informed the pilgrims not to have vacation to camel farm and drink uncooked milk,” she explained.

Meanwhile, the socialization given to doctors in hospitals and community health centers is about how to treat the patients infected by MERS virus.

“This is a new disease, so we collected the doctors in hospitals and community health centers and explained to them what MERS is as well as its prevention and treatment,” uttered Emmawati.

In addition, Jakarta Health Department is also making leaflets on MERS virus information. With that, hopefully the pilgrims who want to go for umrah or hajj can be more cautious.