One-third Haj pilgrims at risk from respiratory illnesses

Dubai - The annual Haj pilgrimage to Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) draws close to two million Muslims from more than 183 countries worldwide.

Vaccinating high risk Haj pilgrims against pneumococcal disease could avoid major public health concerns, a top health official has said.
Dr Ashraf El Houfi, Consultant ICU Dubai Hospital, Head of Infection Control Office, said: "At least one third of Haj pilgrims are at risk of pneumococcal disease either by virtue of age or pre-existing medical conditions, consideration should be given to vaccinating high risk pilgrims against pneumococcal disease. Studies indicate that Streptococcus pneumoniae is a frequently identified pathogen, found in about 10 per cent of respiratory tract samples of symptomatic Haj pilgrims. It is necessary for Haj pilgrims to be extra cautious about their health. Other preventive measures include smoking cessation, pollution reduction and following proper medical advice."
The annual Haj pilgrimage to Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) draws close to two million Muslims from more than 183 countries worldwide.
A major public health concern in relation to such mass gatherings is the importation or exportation of infectious diseases. To minimise risks of the pilgrims, doctors have advised precautionary measures that can be undertaken while completing the pilgrimage.
Health ministries and local authorities in the UAE and KSA have established facilities to provide travellers and pilgrims with medical care if required.
"Besides vaccination, maintaining proper hygiene is very important to prevent the spread of pneumococcal disease infections. Acute respiratory tract infections are very common during Haj, primarily as a result of close contact among pilgrims, intense congestion, shared accommodation and air pollution. Pilgrims should adopt day-to-day precautions throughout their stay at Makkah to keep their immunity strong and prevent infectious diseases. People with low immunity should wear masks in crowded places to minimse the risk of catching a respiratory infection and we also advise that they carry a first aid kit with them at all times," said Dr Fatma Al Attar, Head, International Health Regulation, Ministry of Health.
Historically, outbreaks of the meningitis have been recorded during Haj, the largest spate occurred in the year 1987. Further, since there are various strains of Meningococcal disease causing bacteria, during the years 2000-2002 there was a shift in the pattern of meningococcal disease during the annual pilgrimage. An effective vaccination program ensured that no outbreaks occurred during Haj in 2002.
Haj travelers need to be aware of the health risks associated with contracting pneumonia, meningitis and respiratory infection. Pneumonia accounts for 39 per cent of all hospital admissions during Haj and is also a leading cause of ICU admission.
Though meningococcal vaccination is compulsory for all Haj pilgrims, compliance is not hundred per cent.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia does not send back pilgrims who are not vaccinated against infectious diseases.
They would be administered prophylactic antibiotics and allowed to complete the Haj.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Saudi Arabia