Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Asked to Stay Alert About Flu-Like Symptoms

Jakarta (Antara) - Indonesian pilgrims heading for the Holy Land have been cautioned to remain alert about diseases with flu-like symptoms in view of the threat of Ebola and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Viruses (Mers-CoV). "If pilgrims in Saudi Arabia experience respiratory or flu-like illness (influenza-like illness/ILI), they must immediately contact medical officials," said Head of Health Research and Development (Balitbangkes) of the Ministry of Health, Tjandra Yoga Aditama, here on Monday. Tjandra said the Ebola virus was, in fact, less likely to spread among pilgrims in Mecca in 2014 because African countries, where the affliction is being reported, and the government of Saudi Arabia have undertaken preventive measures considered fairly effective. "There is little possibility of Ebola infection spreading during Hajj because since the beginning of 1976, the virus' has been known to be present only on the African continent. Besides, the government of Saudi Arabia did not give visas to pilgrims belonging to Ebola-hit countries," said Tjandra. (*)