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International concern over the spread of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus is growing following reports of new cases.
Neighbouring Saudi Arabia reported that the number of MERS cases doubled in April with 26 new cases last week alone.
The first case of the deadly disease was recently reported in Egypt after a 27-year-old Egyptian man contracted MERS after visiting his uncle - who died of the virus - in Saudi Arabia.
Global concern about the infection is rising in light of the millions of pilgrims set to visit the kingdom during the fasting month of Ramadan in July. Millions more will follow for the annual Islamic Haj pilgrimage in October.
The virus was identified in Saudi Arabia two years ago and can cause coughing, fever and pneumonia.
Of the 91 new cases announced in the kingdom in April, 73 were in Jeddah. Many of those infected were healthcare workers.
Jeddah resident, 35-year-old Roula, who did not want to give her family name, said many of her friends were scared.
“My friend’s uncle died two days ago after going to a hospital. I didn’t even go to the funeral because I’m worried they might be carrying the virus. Everyone who did go wore a mask,” she said.
Public concern has been heightened by the spread of rumours on social media that there were many undiagnosed cases, as well as accusations of government cover-ups and inadequate hygiene procedures in some hospitals.
The Health Ministry has denied such charges. But the authorities struggled in the early stages of the outbreak to gain control of the public message, simply issuing stern warnings against the spreading of rumours.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it is ‘concerned’ and has offered to help investigate the outbreak in Saudi Arabia and another in the United Arab Emirates.
Since MERS first emerged in April 2012, some 253 laboratory-confirmed human cases have been reported to the WHO, including 93 deaths. While the vast majority are in Saudi Arabia, there have also been cases in Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, as well as Europe, North Africa and Asia.
