MERS-CoV Virus Hit Saudi Arabia, PPIH Urges Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims To Wear Masks

JAKARTA - Aceh Embarkation Hajj Organizing Officers (PPIH) appealed to Hajj pilgrims to maintain their health condition by wearing masks amid the emergence of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Virus in Saudi Arabia.

"In connection with the information on the MERS-CoV virus, we urge the congregation to maintain sufficient health and rest conditions," said PPIH Chairman of the Aceh Embarkation, Azhari, in Banda Aceh, Thursday.

He said the committee had provided masks and advised pilgrims to continue to wear them to prevent exposure to the virus.

"Food must be maintained regularly, don't let anyone not want to eat, rest and take care of their health," he said.

He again reminded the congregation not to leave the hotel if there were no urgent or very important activities. This is because Aceh is in the second wave position and a week there has gone straight to the peak of the hajj.

"It requires energy, if ceremonial activities or sit with friends, or activities not related to the pilgrimage to be detained first, so that at the peak the pilgrimage is in a fit condition," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the PPIH Health Embarkation Aceh, Ziad Batubara, said the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health reported nine confirmed positive cases of MERS-CoV that occurred from March 1 to April 21, 2025.

MERS-CoV is a serious respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. Transmission can occur through close contact with infected animals, especially camels, or through human-to-human respiratory droplets.

Symptoms generally include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, which can develop into more severe complications.

"We expect Acehnese pilgrims to continue wearing masks, because this is one of the tools to avoid spreading," he said.

To prevent this, Ziad asked the congregation to avoid direct contact with the camel, including taking pictures and drinking camel milk on the farm.

"Also do not consume processed camel products that are not guaranteed cleanliness," he said.

In addition, Ziad also asked the congregation to wear masks while in crowded places, carry out a clean and healthy lifestyle, and wash their hands with soap before and after their activities.

"In addition to MERS-CoV, we must also be aware of other diseases that have the potential to spread to our congregation," he said.

Ziad added, the Indonesian Hajj Health Office (KKHI) in Makkah and Medina is always ready to provide medical services for pilgrims who show symptoms of respiratory infection.

"If you feel symptoms of fever and cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing, immediately report it to the health workers so that they can be examined further," said Ziad.