Table 2.

MERS CoV preventive advice for travelers to the Middle East.^a

1.Wash your hands with soap and water or apply an alcohol solution.

2.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue while coughing or sneezing.

3.Avoid hand shaking or touching your mouth, nose and eyes with your hands.

4.Avoid contact with patients with respiratory symptoms.

5.Avoid contact with domestic or wild animals (e.g. camels).

6.Avoid contact with animal secretions (e.g. urine, faeces).

7.Avoid consumption of unpasteurized milk (in particular from camels), or meat inadequately cooked.

8.Avoid consumption of fruit and vegetables which are not washed or peeled by yourself.

9.If you develop any respiratory symptoms during your trip seek medical attention immediately, report your recent trip and postpone your return until you have fully recovered.

10.After returning from countries of the Middle East, if within 14 days you develop fever 38 °C or more and respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, etc) you should seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor about your recent trip.

11.If you are a pilgrim traveling for Hajj and Umrah and above 65 years of age, or if you suffer from chronic diseases (e.g. heart, kidney or respiratory disease, diabetes, congenital or acquired immune deficiency, malignancy or terminal illness, or if you are a pregnant women or a child (<12 years of age), you should postpone the performance of the Hajj and Umrah for your own safetyb

^aIn accordance with WHO, CDC, ECDC and the Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

^bThe Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) recommendations.