Muslim hajj pilgrimage in focus amid virus fears

[The Straight Story]

Muslim hajj pilgrimage in focus amid virus fears

Virologists are casting a worried eye on this year's Islamic hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia as they struggle with the enigmatic, deadly virus known as MERS which is striking hardest in the kingdom.

Little is known about the new pathogen, beyond the fact that it can be lethal by causing respiratory problems, pneumonia and kidney failure. It can be transmitted between humans, but unlike its cousin, the SARS virus, which sparked a scare a decade ago, it does not seem very contagious.

Even so, for any respiratory virus the mass gathering of the hajj provides a perfect opportunity to first spread at the two holiest Muslim shrines in the cities of Mecca and Medina, and then travel around the globe at jet speed as pilgrims return home.

The 2012 hajj drew 3.1 million people -- and this year's event likewise occurs in October, as the northern hemisphere slides into the season for coughs and sneezes.

http://www.thelocal.ch/20130630/muslim-hajj-pilgrimage-in-focus-amid-mers-virus-fears

Note to hosts: Not intended to discuss religion or the tenets thereof, more of a scientific/public safety discussion.

[RudynJack]

1. Yikes.

That could get bad. I hope there's no outbreak.