Philippines urges its Muslims to postpone Haj amid Mers fears

About 6,500 Filipinos who are set to join the annual Haj pilgrimage in October have been urged to go next year instead.

MANILA // (AP) – The Philippines has urged Muslim Filipinos to postpone their annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia amid concerns about a deadly virus outbreak there.

About 6,500 Filipinos who are set to join the annual Haj pilgrimage in October have been asked to go next year instead, when the Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) is expected to be under control, health department spokesman Lyndon Lee Suy said.

“We know it’s a religious custom, but it is also our duty to provide health advisories,” Mr Suy said.

“It’s an appeal for them to delay the trip if possible due to the Mers virus... If possible, they should go next year.”

The World Health Organisation has recorded 824 confirmed Mers cases globally as of July 2, including at least 286 related deaths.

Most cases have occurred in Saudi Arabia, and the virus is believed primarily acquired through contact with camels.

At least two of the dead in Saudi Arabia are Filipinos, according to the Philippine foreign department.

The World Health Organisation said last month that the surge in Mers cases has receded, but countries must maintain vigilance for the Muslim pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia.

Millions of pilgrims visit holy sites in western Saudi Arabia for the annual Haj, due to take place in October this year, and for the Umrah, which is performed throughout the year.

So far, Mecca has seen fewer cases than other parts of Saudi Arabia.

Since the first discovery of the virus in 2012, there have been two annual haj pilgrimages to the city, and neither saw instances of pilgrims being infected.

Philippine officials said on Thursday there is no ban, but pilgrims are required to take a physical exam and get a medical certificate showing they are fit.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona says “high-risk groups” like the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases are especially urged to not make the trip.

The government consulted Muslim government agencies as well as community leaders before issuing the advisory, Mr Suy said.

* Associated Press and Agence France-Presse