Meningitis- A Serious Threat To Hajj Pilgrims - Senior Doctors Warn

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 17 Oct 2008 - 6:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Over 3 million people from the UK and around the world are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia during the next few weeks to perform Hajj pilgrimage.

The British senior doctors from the Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK have warned all prospective pilgrims that they should safeguard against the additional risks to their health such as Meningitis, Hepatitis and other communicable diseases due to the over crowding at the ceremonies, accommodation sites and public transport.

The communicable diseases can be transmitted through direct person-to-person contact with droplets of nasal or throat secretions of infected individuals. Close and prolonged contact (e.g. sneezing and coughing on someone, etc.) facilitates the spread of infection. The most common symptoms specifically for meningitis are stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches and vomiting. Therefore, it is vital that all travellers must get 'quadrivalent meningococcal' vaccine (ACWY vac) before leaving for Saudi Arabia. A valid certificate of meningitis vaccine from your doctor is compulsory to obtain a visa from the Saudi Embassy.

Some barbers around the Holy places pose a risk of spreading diseases, such as Hepatitis and other blood-borne pathogens by using the same razors repeatedly. The doctors also warned pilgrims to be aware of the risk of using the services provided by these barbers and they must insist that the barbers use disposable razors to shave.

"Protect yourself and your family; don't ruin your journey with illnesses. Make the most out of this lifetime experience", said the senior British doctors.

The Association of British Hujjaj (pilgrims) UK is the only National Hajj & Umrah specific organisation working for the welfare and wellbeing of the British Hajj & Umrah pilgrims and overseas travellers.

Association of Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK
http://www.abhuk.com