Umrah pilgrims have been urged to wear surgical masks to reduce the risk of contracting the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Virus-Corona Virus (MERS-CoV).

Director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the masks were able to prevent inhalation of dust and virus particles in the air.

“The pilgrims should also carry out periodical influenza, pneumococcal vaccination and health checks.

“They should bring along liquid hand sanitiser and use it regularly, observe courtesy when sneezing and seek immediate medical attention when they fall ill such as having a fever, a cough or difficulty in breathing,” he said when contacted today.

MERS-CoV has so far claimed more than 100 lives in Saudi Arabia while Malaysia recorded the first death in April.

A 54-year-old man from Batu Pahat, Johor, who contracted the disease while performing umrah (minor haj) in March, died on April 13.

MERS-CoV infection causes severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.

- Bernama