#12,689
While any MERS cases in Saudi Arabia just two weeks before the start of this year's Hajj begins are of concern, it is fair to say the two places you would least like to see them are in the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medinah.
Today the MOH is reporting a primary (indirect camel contact) case in Medinah, and a death in Jeddah (case reported Aug 4th) - arguably the third place you'd least like to see cases, as it serves as the major Hajj terminal for religious pilgrims entering the Kingdom.
Despite perennial concerns over the Hajj serving as an international conduit for the MERS virus to spread outside of KSA, so far that hasn't happened (see ATS: Mass Gatherings And Lessons From The Hajj).
While exotic diseases – like MERS and Avian flu – are viewed as potential threats, the spread of mosquito borne illnesses (like Dengue & Chikungunya), tuberculosis, mumps, measles, chickenpox, and respiratory viruses like influenza & Rhinovirus are far more likely scenarios (see EID Journal: Respiratory Viruses & Bacteria Among Pilgrims During The 2013 Hajj).
For those planning to attend the Hajj, the CDC provides Traveler's advice for Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
