Public health experts at Mundipharma, a pharmaceutical industry leader, are urging all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims preparing to travel to Makkah to make personal health and hygiene a top priority after cases of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus was reported.

Between 12 January through 31 May 2018, the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported 75 laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS_CoV), including 23 deaths.

With thousands of people from the UAE and millions more from across the world expected to make the journey to the kingdom, public health experts are urging travellers to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves from exposure to MERS and other illnesses.

The WHO expects that “additional cases of MERS-CoV infection will be reported from the Middle East, and that cases will continue to be exported to other countries by individuals who might acquire the infection after exposure to animals or animal products (for example, following contact with camels) or human source (for example, in a healthcare setting)”.

WHO guidelines state that good personal hygiene, including regular hand washing, is the first line of defence in the prevention of diseases and avoiding infection.

The success rate of Mundipharma’s range of Povidone-iodine solutions, such as Betadine, against bacterial infections and viruses makes it a good option for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.

A 2015 study carried out by Marburg University in Germany proved the efficacy of Betadine Skin Cleanser, Betadine Surgical Scrub and Betadine Mouthwash and Gargle in protecting against MERS by having a killing rate of more than 99.99 per cent in 15 seconds.

The study found that use of Betadine products may help to support hygiene measures during outbreaks of respiratory viruses.

Betadine has a 99.99 per cent kill rate in just 30 seconds after application against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes and Candida albicans.

Dr Ashraf Allam, regional vice-president of Mundipharma for Middle East, Turkey and Africa Region, said: “Large gatherings, such as Umrah and Hajj, increases the chance of diseases being spread quickly and to high numbers of people.”

“Regular and thorough washing of hands with antiseptic Betadine products, especially after touching public surfaces, as well as covering of the mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing, can help to prevent the spread of viruses.”

“Betadine has shown to have a potential to fight the outbreak of diseases by helping minimising the risk of human-to-human transmission. With so many people regularly travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and the Hajj season only a few months away, it is prudent for pilgrims to take all necessary precautions to remain healthy throughout their trip and to reduce the risk of returning home with an illness,” he said. - TradeArabia News Service