A virologist with the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana has cautioned Muslims going for the Hajj pilgrimage this year, to adhere to strict health practices because of the outbreak of the MERS virus. The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) (MERS) virus has already claimed 38 lives in Saudi Arabia and 45 worldwide. Dr. Kwamena William Sagoe told Joy News the virus should not be underestimated because it is highly contagious and easy to transfer. “If you look at the age spectrum it cuts across all age sets, from 2 years to 94 years, so really it doesn't spare anybody", he noted. Dr Sagoe said even though the Saudi authorities have asked that anyone coming into the country should have the masks, the MOH must teach the pilgrims how to use them. Meanwhile, Ghana’s Hajj Committee has already asked the Ministry of Health to provide this year’s pilgrims to Saudi Arabia with special masks. Ibrahim Tanko, Chairman of the Hajj Committee said the MOH is yet to get back to them on the request for the medically certified face masks. However, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry of Health, Tony Goodman told Joy News the Public Health Directorate of the Ministry is doing everything possible to assist the pilgrims. He explains that the Ministry does not readily have the required masks and has contacted some companies to facilitate them with the acquisition of the masks.