A considerable number of pilgrims travel from India to Mecca-Madina for Haj every year and get exposed to the deadly virus With recent reports of spread of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in at least 13 countries, the world now has a reason to be worried about the deadly infection. The World Health Organization (WHO), on Wednesday, showed serious concern towards spread of the disease and said that “the seriousness of the situation had increased in terms of public health impact.” The development is even more a concern for India as a considerable number of pilgrims go to Mecca-Madina for Haj every year and get exposed to the virus.

The fifth meeting of International Health Regulations Emergency Committee, concerning MERS-CoV, was held on Wednesday (via teleconference) in the wake of 126 deaths due to MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia alone since September 2012. More than 450 people have been reported infected in the same period. The international agency, however, made it clear that the conditions to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) have not yet been met.

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