LOCAL health officials in Zamboanga City have scheduled lectures about the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (Mers-Cov) for city residents who will pay hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Zamboanga City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos said the lectures aim to provide the hajj pilgrims the knowledge to protect themselves against the disease once they are on the pilgrimage.

The Mers-Cov is a viral respiratory illness first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It is caused by a corona virus.

Most people who have been confirmed to have Mers-Cov infection developed severe acute respiratory illness. They had fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Agbulos said he has already coordinated with Second District Representative Lilia Nuño to set the schedule where and when the Mers-Cov lecture will be held.

No fixed schedule has been set yet for the departure of the pilgrims.