Imported cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome: An update

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV): A cluster analysis with implications for global management of suspected cases

“…Screening of 5235 adult pilgrims from 22 countries in 2013 showed no positive MERS cases using nasopharyngeal swabs [23]. Although only rare cases have been associated with the Umrah pilgrimage so far, there is a need for continuing surveillance among travelers, pilgrims and HCW attending pilgrims [24].…”

Exploring barriers to and facilitators of preventive measures against infectious diseases among Australian Hajj pilgrims: cross-sectional studies before and after Hajj

“…1,2 Hajj presents a public health challenge for Saudi Arabia, as the authorities need to cater for an increasing number of pilgrims and respond to emerging infections such as the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). 3,4 It is also challenging for the countries sending pilgrims, since these pilgrims can import epidemic diseases to their home countries upon return. In an effort to reduce the risk of infectious diseases at Hajj, an array of preventive measures have been recommended by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health (MoH), which include vaccination and hygiene measures (Table 1).…”

Active screening and surveillance in the United Kingdom for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in returning travellers and pilgrims from the Middle East: a prospective descriptive study for the period 2013–2015

“…MERS-CoV cases have been reported in travellers to the Middle East returning to Europe, North Africa, North America, and Asia. 3,[5][6][7] Whilst primary transmission of MERS-CoV appears to be from camels, evidence of person-to-person and nosocomial transmission of MERS-CoV is well documented. 8,9 The largest outbreak of MERS-CoV outside the Middle East occurred in South Korea in 2015 and was attributed to poor hospital infection control measures.…”