Saudi Arabia denies any MERS case among pilgrims

Saudi Health Minister Khalid Abdel Aziz on Thursday said no cases of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been reported among pilgrims so far.

Addressing press conference, the minister shed light on efforts exerted by the Saudi ministries to contain the virus ahead of the pilgrimage season.

As MERS infections soar in many health faculties, a multi-dimensional plan was set to contain the virus moving from animals to humans, the minister said.

The plan includes scientific cooperation with specialized international centers and universities to develop effective drugs.

The studies showed zero positive tests for cases in the medical facilities in Riyadh throughout the last week, assistant health minister Abdullah Esseri told the press conference.

MERS emerged in Saudi Arabia in 2012, and new cases continue to appear. Of the 1,500 cases reported globally so far, three-quarters have been here, with more than 500 deaths.

The disease has an incubation period of up to two weeks before symptoms become apparent, making it important for home countries be on alert when the pilgrims return home to minimize the spread of the virus.