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Saudi Arabia tightens border control to prevent spread of MERS, Zika during Hajj

Xinhua, August 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Saudi health ministry will enforce tight border control measures to prevent the spread of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Zika viruses during the Hajj season which will start next month.

The ministry will also monitor suspected cases of diseases such as cerebral spinal fever, meningitis, yellow fever and polio among the incoming pilgrims, Okaz local newspaper reported on Monday.

A team of 97 medics, including 18 doctors, have been assigned to monitor coming pilgrims by examining suspected cases and check the vaccination cards. Saudi Arabia has made it compulsory for all pilgrims to get vaccinated before granting them permission to perform hajj.

In addition to border control, Saudi authorities will also put in place a strict health plan at the holy sites to protect pilgrims.

In 2015, 1.3 million foreign pilgrims performed hajj. Endit