MERS of concern before haj – WHO

The deadly MERS virus remains a serious public health problem, especially with the approach of haj pilgrimages, but a recent surge in Saudi cases of the respiratory disease appears to be abating, the World Health Organisation said. The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus, which causes coughing, fever and sometimes fatal pneumonia, has been reported in more than 800 patients, mainly in Saudi Arabia. It has spread to neighbouring countries and, in a few cases, to Europe, Asia and the United States. At least 315 people worldwide have died from the disease. In a statement issued after the 6th meeting of its MERS emergency committee, the WHO said a surge in cases in Saudi Arabia that began in April has now decreased and “there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission in communities”. “There have been significant efforts made to strengthen infection prevention and control measures,” it said. As a result, “the committee unanimously...