Saudi Minister of Health Osama bin Abdulmajeed Shobokshi allayed pilgrims' fears of Rift Valley Fever, Ebola and Meningitis. RVF which had spread in the southern region in Saudi Arabia poses no threat to pilgrims and Saudi authorities have taken intensified preventive measures since the outbreak of the disease in September, last year, he said. He added that RVF was waning and about to be completely eradicated.

One patient, who had contracted RVF recovered in Asir region, one case was reported in Makkah and one patient died in Qunfuzah govern orate during the period from February 18-25, said a statement released here yesterday. Since the appearance of the disease up to date, the number of people, who had contracted disease has reached 878, recovered patients accounted for 753 and those who died of the disease amounted to 123, the statement said.

Dr Shobokshi said that no epidemic or dangerous disease had appeared among pilgrims who arrived in Saudi Arabia, due to preventive measures adopted by by Saudi embassies, which require submitting medical certificates that a pilgrim has been vaccinated against several infectious diseases including meningitis. Some 300 pilgrims contracted meningitis during the pilgrimage last year.


SOURCE: Gulf News

  
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