The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which was first identified in 2012, has been fatal in more than 50 percent of known cases.  Since 2012, there have been 81 identified cases, with 45 deaths.  All of the cases have been linked to the Arabian Peninsula.

MERS is a novel coronavirus and scientists have yet to fully understand how it works.  The way that the virus invades the body and replicates virus particles is not well understood, causing concern for Margaret Chan, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).  Chan stated that the disease emerging faster than the understanding of it is developing is a sign that the disease is not under control.  Chan also notes that this is a global threat.  As a result, the WHO is convening an emergency committee to evaluate the threat.

At the moment, the WHO has not called for a travel ban to Saudi Arabia, but Saudi officials are taking action to try to prevent the spread of MERS.  Currently, it is one of the peak periods for visitors to Saudi Arabia, who are coming to the holy sites of Mecca and Medina.  Officials are asking pilgrims to wear masks, hoping to limit the spread of MERS, which is known to spread through close contact and more easily in hospital settings.

There are two types of pilgrimages: Hajj and Umrah.  The Hajj pilgrimage is the major pilgrimage, which happens once a year.  The dates change based on how the Islamic calendar aligns with the Gregorian calendar in a given year.  In 2013, the Hajj will occur in mid-October.  The Umrah is a minor pilgrimage, which can be done at any time.  The most popular time for an Umrah is during Ramadan, which is currently underway and continues until August 7 this year.

Saudi Arabian officials are also using the visa process to restrict travelers coming into Saudi Arabia.  They have stopped issuing visas for Umrah pilgrimages on July 8.  With those that are given visas, they are limited to a 15-day stay.  They issued around four million visas and 3.9 million visitors have already left the country, leaving about 250,000, which is how officials say they would like to leave it.

In previous years, health officials have warned of respiratory infections and meningitis, advocating up-to-date immunizations for Hepatitis A and B and for typhoid.  Annually, two million visitors make the Hajj pilgrimage, with an annual total of six million pilgrims.