SONGKHLA, 24 August 2015 – Those traveling to the Hajj in Saudi Arabia are being cautioned against the lingering prevalence of the MERS virus and to take steps to prevent contracting it abroad.
Muslim Thais are making their Hajj pilgrimage during August 16-October 13 this year, according to Dr. Suwit Thammapalo, director of the Department of Disease Control office in Songkhla province, who is suggesting that the travelers maintain their health and make preparations before embarking on their journey. He suggests the travelers eat nutritious food, exercise, and carry face masks with them on their journey. While in Saudi Arabia, they should avoid close contact with coughing persons and camels, wash their hands regularly and refrain from drinking raw camel milk. If the journey-makers find themselves with fever, cough, mucus or sore throat within 14 days after returning to Thailand, they should immediately go the doctor.
About 10,400 Thais are making the Hajj pilgrimage this year, 8,000 of those are residents of the seven provinces in the lower South.
