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Middle East respiratory syndrome and Hajj (24 to 30 May 2026)
The annual Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj, will take place from 24 to 30 May 2026. Around 2,000 Australians may travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate.
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness with a high fatality rate (approximately 37%), caused by MERS coronavirus. Saudi Arabia is experiencing ongoing clusters of MERS, with 84% of cases worldwide reported from this region.
Dromedary camels (one-humped camels found in the Middle East) are thought to be the primary source of infection in humans, through direct or indirect contact with the camels and raw camel products (e.g., uncooked meat, milk and urine). The virus does not easily spread in the community, and person to person spread of the virus has predominantly occurred in healthcare settings and within households.
People with existing health conditions that make them more vulnerable to respiratory disease are at a higher risk of becoming very unwell or dying due to MERS. This includes the elderly, the immunocompromised and those with comorbidities.
There is no vaccination against MERS, however, travellers should ensure they are up to date with all recommended vaccinations, including for COVID-19, meningococcal disease, measles, and influenza. Travellers are also encouraged to consider the Australian Government travel advice for Saudi Arabia and transit destination available on the Smartraveller website at www.smartraveller.gov.au.
All travellers should know how to avoid infection. Travellers can protect themselves from MERS by:
- avoiding close contact with sick people and sick camels
- washing hands regularly and taking particular care when visiting places where camels are present
- avoiding raw or undercooked camel products, such as meat, milk and urine, and
- particularly for people with existing health problems, avoiding all contact with camels.
A MERS information card is available at www.health.gov.au/MERS in multiple languages. The card provides information on how people can protect themselves from MERS, and what to do if they feel unwell while overseas or on return to Australia.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing maintains MERS information for health professionals on its website.
Health professionals should remain vigilant for signs of MERS in returned travellers and ensure suspected cases are managed appropriately. MERS is a nationally notifiable disease, so all suspected, probable, and confirmed cases should be reported to the appropriate state or territory public health unit.