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Sneeze etiquette will help prevent Mers during Haj

Dubai - Study says over-the-counter products can help contain virus outbreak.

The fatality rate in humans for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) has risen from 36 per cent to 42.5 per cent. Mers deaths now stand at 528 including three confirmed deaths in Saudi Arabia on September 7.
But results from a recent study have highlighted the potential of several over-the-counter products which could help contain the current virus outbreak - and they cost as little as Dh20.
The study, which was conducted based on the latest EU test standard for virus testing, investigated the efficacy of three Betadine povidone iodine (PVPI) formulations against Mers virus. Results of the skin cleanser, surgical scrub and mouthwash showed a fast virucidal activity against the virus, with a 99.99 per cent kill rate.
Released for the first time in the Middle East on Tuesday, virologist and lead investigator of the study, Dr Maren Eggers, said after a short application time of just 15 seconds, the virus is killed.
At present, there is no specific antiviral or vaccine to treat Mers. According to vice-president of MundiPharma for the Middle East and Africa region, Dr Ashraf Allam, this makes prevention "so important".
"People have to limit their exposure to the virus. The World Health Organisation has put a huge emphasis on good hygiene and these formulations are great champions for good hygiene."
Hand washing, sneeze and cough etiquette is the key to prevention, he said. However, living in a country where more than 200 nationalities live under one roof, promoting awareness can become an issue.
"It is definitely a challenge given the diverse number of people here coming from different backgrounds, cultures, educational systems and habits. But this is where the health authorities should be commended. They have managed to communicate the universal message to all, that prevention is key," he told Khaleej Times. Allam said "acting before the situation got out of control" was a great move by the UAE health authorities.
"The UAE has invested so much in the healthcare sector and we have seen steady upgrades in both the quality of healthcare professionals and facilities here. This has helped eliminate the spread of Mers, and as of now there are no confirmed cases. This speaks volumes."
With Haj just around the corner, and Saudi Arabia housing a large number of previously confirmed Mers cases, Dr Eggers outlined a number of tips for hopeful pilgrims regarding the prevention of Mers.
"Health authorities in Saudi Arabia are well prepared for Haj but for pilgrims I would suggest staying away from hospitals that have been associated with Mers cases. They should practice frequent hand hygiene and make sure they are up to date with all their flu vaccines."
With around 2.8 million people expected to take part in Haj, the condensed crowds increase the risk of the spread of viruses. For those participating in Haj, Dr Eggers said you should always cover your hand and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
"And, of course, stay away from camels too as they can pass the virus on to humans."
The South Korea outbreak which was contained in July 2015, where 185 people were infected, 36 killed and more than 16,000 quarantined, has demonstrated the need for effective preventative measures to reduce the spread of the virus.
Patients developed severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath and 3-4 out of every 10 patients reported with Mers there died. This outbreak sparked international concern regarding the virus and Dr Eggers said this was one of the "driving factors" in conducting this latest research investigation.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com