The WHO has published an update on MERS-CoV in the Kingdom, announcing four more cases in the 20 weeks to July 31 and one death. Two of the cases were in Riyadh, and the others in Hafar Albatin and Taif - they take the YTD total to 11. The agency judged that more MERS cases will emerge in Saudi Arabia (or any country where the virus is circulating among its natural hosts, dromedary camels) from contact with infected camels, raw products obtained from them (i.e. raw camel’s milk), or in a healthcare setting. People who have underlying chronic medical conditions (i.e. diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease) and the immunocompromised are more likely to develop serious disease.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.