Saudi Arabia seems to be having a problem coming to grips with its MERS epidemic. While at the beginning most Saudis say they were spooked, now they have rejected the notion of becoming ill with MERS and thrown caution to the wind. People are again approaching people in the traditional style of kissing in the face and other close contact effusions.
But are they really doing the right thing? Or is this an attempt at showing would be pilgrims that there is nothing to fear?
As counterintuitive as this seems, it belies a strange logic: that if the epidemic has not exploded so far, it never will.
At the same time though, this sanguine attitude towards a virus that has a 60% death so far, seems irresponsible if not for the natives, for all of those who will travel to the peninsula and the rest of the world.
But as they lull themselves into a state of denial, cases of MERS are quietly and steadily mounting among Saudis.
Although hospitals in the affected areas are following the proper prophylactic protocol, the attitude at large seems to reflect a concerted campaign to reassure visitors. The pilgrimages are not just a religious affair: they bring a large injection of cash and are symbolic to the peninsula. To turn people away would be unthinkable.
The strategy is already working, apparently: one young man interviewed in the streets said that he had reservations about going, but then went anyway and was reassured when he saw that the country seemed unchanged and unconcerned.
However, these views run contrary to the WHO's assessment of the potential dangers of the virus during and after the double pilgrimages of the year. Although Saudi Arabia has placed billboards to warn about the symptoms, there is apparently no plan to change the pilgrimage in order to stem a potential pandemic. Or at least, if there is one, it has not been officially made known.
In addition, the virus has already been carried to other countries after the patient visited Saudi Arabia, so the ability for people to 'export' the virus is real and has been confirmed.
At this time, the virus is not highly viral. But it is a virus which could mutate quickly, and it is important that it be kept under the most intense scrutiny to avoid it from spreading worldwide.
Source : France 24/ 6.20.13
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