Safeguard Against Health Risks: Hajj Pilgrims Warned

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 15 Nov 2007 - 7:00 PDT

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

Over 3 million pilgrims will converge in Makkah (Saudi Arabia) from all over the world including about 25,000 from Britain to perform Hajj in December 2007.

The British senior doctors from the Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (A.B.H) have warned all prospective pilgrims to safeguard against the additional risks to their health including contracting infectious diseases due to the over crowded conditions at ceremonies, accommodation sites and public transports. Therefore, they must seek advice from their GP before leaving for Hajj and take necessary health precautions.

The temperature during the Hajj period could be over 30°C in Makkah. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are common and can be fatal therefore, measures should be taken to minimise the effect of heat exhaustion.

Prospective Hajj pilgrims with chronic medical conditions, diabetes and high blood pressure must ensure that they take enough medication to cover the period of their stay in Saudi Arabia. Getting a flu shot before you leave can help. However, aadditional medication and pain killers like aspirin should be taken for relief of sore throat, coughing, headache, frequent sneezing, runny nose and fever and those who suffer from asthma MUST take the pump with them.

The senior doctors also warn the pilgrims to get vaccinated against meningitis before leaving for Hajj. Meningitis certificate will be checked at the Saudi airports by the Saudi authorities to ensure that they are vaccinated.

Male pilgrims are also advised to be aware of the risk of using the same razors repeatedly by the barbers while getting there heads shaved due to the risk Hepatitis and other blood-borne pathogens.

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