Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage
Published on: February 15, 2013
Pilgrims and MERS-CoV: what's the risk?
Tarek Soliman1, Alex R Cook2, Richard J Coker3
1Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117549 Republic of Singapore.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) poses a global risk during Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Surveillance is crucial to detect infected pilgrims returning throughout the year.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Mass gatherings like Hajj and Umrah present significant risks for the global spread of infectious diseases.
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has been a concern since its emergence in 2012.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the potential risk of MERS-CoV spread globally through pilgrims attending Hajj and Umrah.
- To inform public health surveillance strategies for MERS-CoV.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of MERS-CoV incidence data in Saudi Arabia since June 2012.
- Modeling pilgrim numbers to estimate MERS-CoV case scenarios for Hajj and Umrah.
Main Results:
- Estimated most likely scenario: one MERS-CoV case per Hajj and three per Umrah annually.
- Plausible worst-case scenario: up to seven MERS-CoV cases per Hajj and ten per Umrah annually.
Conclusions:
- Ongoing surveillance is essential to detect MERS-CoV cases among returning pilgrims, particularly from Umrah throughout the year.
- National surveillance systems must remain vigilant for MERS-CoV importation risks associated with religious pilgrimages.
More Related Videos
06:31Precision Implementation of Minimal Erythema Dose MED Testing to Assess Individual Variation in Human Inflammatory Response
Published on: October 3, 2019
05:32Povidone Iodine Rectal Preparation at Time of Prostate Needle Biopsy is a Simple and Reproducible Means to Reduce Risk of Procedural Infection
Published on: September 21, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Relative Risk
Hazard Ratio
For example, in a clinical trial...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis III: Medical Management