Health Experts at Mundipharma Urge Pilgrims Travelling to Saudi Arabia to Prioritise Hygiene to Prevent Spread of Viruses Including Mers

Mundipharma’s range of BETADINE®  products, including hand cleansers, proven to be effective in preventing spread of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and other illnesses2-7

13 August 2018, Dubai, UAE:   Haj and Umra pilgrims preparing to travel to Mecca have been advised to make personal health and hygiene a top priority after cases of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus was reported. Between 12 January through 31 May 2018, the National IHR Focal Point of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported 75 laboratory confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS_CoV), including twenty-three (23) deaths.1 

With thousands of people from the UAE, and millions more from across the world, expected to make the journey to the Kingdom, public health experts at Mundipharma are urging travellers to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves from exposure to MERS and other illnesses.

The WHO expects that “additional cases of MERS-CoV infection will be reported from the Middle East, and that cases will continue to be exported to other countries by individuals who might acquire the infection after exposure to animals or animal products (for example, following contact with camels) or human source (for example, in a health care setting)”.1

WHO guidelines state that good personal hygiene, including regular hand washing, is the first line of defence in the prevention of diseases and avoiding infection.

The success rate of Mundipharma’s range of Povidone-iodine solutions such as BETADINE®, against bacterial infections and viruses2 makes it a good option for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia.

A 2015 study carried out by Marburg University in Germany proved the efficacy of BETADINE®  Skin Cleanser, BETADINE® Surgical Scrub and BETADINE® Mouthwash and Gargle in protecting against MERS by having a killing rate of more than 99.99 percent in 15 seconds.3

The study found that use of BETADINE® products may help to support hygiene measures during outbreaks of respiratory viruses.3

BETADINE® has a 99.99 per cent kill rate in just 30 seconds after application against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes and Candida albicans.4 

Dr Ashraf Allam, Regional Vice-President of Mundipharma for Middle East, Turkey and Africa Region, said: “Large gatherings, such as Umrah and Haj, increases the chance of diseases being spread quickly and to high numbers of people”.

“Regular and thorough washing of your hands with antiseptic BETADINE® products, especially after touching public surfaces, as well as covering your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing, can help to prevent the spread of viruses.”3,5-7

“BETADINE® has shown to have a potential to fight the outbreak of diseases by helping minimizing the risk of human-to-human transmission.3,5-7 With so many people regularly travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umra and the Haj season only a few months away, it is prudent for pilgrims to take all necessary precautions to remain healthy throughout their trip and to reduce the risk of returning home with an illness.”