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Health Minister Nila F. Moeloek appealed to Indonesian hajj pilgrims not to take pictures with camels while in Saudi Arabia. Nila even urged people to stay away from other animals while being there.
"Please, do not interact with animals in Saudi Arabia, especially camels. Never take a selfie with them, find someone prettier because many camels are infected [with diseases] nowadays. We don't want the virus followed you backto Indonesia," said Nila at Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory, East Jakarta during the hajj pilgrim dispatch on Friday.
Nila also suggested people to remain hygienic when performing any outdoor activities as it is still possible for them to be contracted the disease brought by fellow pilgrims from other countries.
Nila said an outbreak of cholera is currently spreading in Yemen. Thus, the minister wanted Indonesians to avoid any physical contact with Yemeni people.
"As an effect of contamination, bacteria may also cause diarrhea. Really keep your cleanliness, wash your hand, take some rests too," said Nila while reminding that health officer would always standby for any request of a medical check up.
Nila said the Health Ministry has been coordinating with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to provide nutritious food intake.
"If you're going outside, wear a mask, put on an umbrella and always drink [enough] water," added Nila.
This year, Indonesian pilgrim numbers reached 221,000 from nine embarkation points, including Aceh, Medan, Jakarta, Balikpapan and Makassar.
(brl/red)
