Authorities in Saudi Arabia have reported further cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

With the annual pilgrimage of Hajj having recently taken place, Member States are being asked to continue their surveillance for acute respiratory infections and report any unusual patterns.

General hygiene measures such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals and avoiding contact with sick animals, should be adhered to. Food hygiene practices should be observed. People should avoid drinking raw camel milk or eating meat that has not been properly cooked.

Until more is understood about MERS-CoV, those with diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease and immunocompromised are considered to be at high risk of severe disease from MERS-CoV infection.