Picture this: The majestic Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakan is bustling with excitement as eager Thai-Muslims prepare for their sacred journey to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage in June 2023. The air buzzes with anticipation, as families gather to bid farewell to their loved ones, heading to fulfill this important religious rite.
However, beneath the jubilant festivities, the Ministry of Public Health issues a word of caution. With a fresh outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) in Saudi Arabia, travelers are urged to stay vigilant. According to the World Health Organization, between March 1 and April 21, nine cases surfaced, tragically claiming two lives.
Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the vigilant permanent secretary of the Public Health Ministry, emphasizes that Mers is a viral menace primarily affecting the respiratory and digestive systems. Classic symptoms include fever, persistent cough, and that unsettling shortness of breath. In dire cases, pneumonia may rear its ugly head, potentially leading to kidney failure or even becoming life-threatening, especially for those grappling with chronic conditions.
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, has borne the brunt of this outbreak, with eight of the nine affected individuals residing there. Meanwhile, the lone outlier hails from Ha’il. Notably, six were valiant healthcare workers who, while treating infected patients, inadvertently fell victim to the virus themselves. Fortunately, four were asymptomatic, with only mild symptoms affecting the remaining two.
“The virus,” Dr. Opas explained, “finds its primary vector in camels. While the precise mode of transmission remains shrouded in mystery, the consumption of unpasteurised camel milk or undercooked camel meat could be culprits. Moreover, human-to-human transmission occurs through respiratory droplets or the saliva of an infected person.”
Since the initial emergence of Mers in 2012, 2,627 confirmed cases have been reported worldwide, with a staggering 84% originating in Saudi Arabia. Fascinatingly, not a single case has been identified outside the Middle East since 2019.
In an effort to safeguard Thai pilgrims, the ministry has dispatched a dedicated medical team to Saudi Arabia this Hajj season, taking place from June 4 to 9. A devoted 6,603 pilgrims from Thailand are readying themselves for this profound pilgrimage.
Pilgrims are advised to keep their distance from camels and refrain from visiting hospitals in outbreak zones unless absolutely necessary. They are also urged to practice hand hygiene, wear masks, and maintain a respectful distance from the infirm.
Upon returning to Thailand, pilgrims will enter a 14-day health monitoring phase by local health authorities to ensure their well-being. The Ministry aims to strike a delicate balance between preserving the sanctity of this spiritual journey and ensuring the safety of those embarking on it.
This year, the Hajj pilgrimage is not just a journey of faith but a testament to resilience and prudence in the face of health challenges. Safe travels, dear pilgrims, as you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual odyssey.
Be First to Comment