Saudi government to ensure infection free Hajj

Riyadh, Aug 31: In the wake of the Ebola and Coronavirus outbreak, the Saudi government has said it will screen Hajj pilgrims this year.

The health ministry has made arrangements to screen the pilgrims for the Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The ministry also plans to provide pilgrims with health care services in the holy city of Makkah and at the main entry points of King Abdulaziz International Airport and the Jeddah Islamic Port, Abdulsalam Noorwali, a director in the ministry told the Arab News daily.

Temporary health centres are being set up on all roads leading to the Makkah.

"We are on the alert for corona and Ebola viruses and fully equipped to screen any pilgrim suspected of carrying the infections at the two main entry points," Sami Badawood, another director in the ministry, said this week.

Around 620 personnel have been posted in the health and surveillance centre at Jeddah's main airport and another 100 at the Jeddah Islamic Port to screen arriving pilgrims and provide them with medical aid.

All pilgrims must present proof of vaccination for meningitis and ACYW135. For infants and children under 15 years of age, a vaccination report is required for polio as well as meningitis and polio.

The meningitis vaccination should be given before departure and polio vaccination is mandatory for all pilgrims coming from Africa, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Afghanistan and African countries.

IANS