Fears of MERS virus at Muslim hajj pilgrimage

[Ptarmigan]

Fears of MERS virus at Muslim hajj pilgrimage
http://www.france24.com/en/20130629-fears-mers-virus-muslim-hajj-pilgrimage

AFP - Virologists are casting a worried eye on this year's Islamic hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia as they struggle with the enigmatic, deadly virus known as MERS which is striking hardest in the kingdom.

Little is known about the new pathogen, beyond the fact that it can be lethal by causing respiratory problems, pneumonia and kidney failure. It can be transmitted between humans, but unlike its cousin, the SARS virus, which sparked a scare a decade ago, it does not seem very contagious.

Even so, for any respiratory virus the mass gathering of the hajj provides a perfect opportunity to first spread at the two holiest Muslim shrines in the cities of Mecca and Medina, and then travel around the globe at jet speed as pilgrims return home.

[Mr Mannn]

Pardon my lack of sympathy.

[JohnnyReb]

Well, he used hell fire and brimstone to destroy two perverted cities in Saudi Arabia last time. With building cost going up I guess he wants to save the infrastructure this time.