Bird Flu & Meningitis Warning To Makkah Pilgrims

Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 08 Apr 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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A team of senior British Doctors from Association of British Hujjaj (pilgrims) UK have expressed their extreme concern about the worst global threat of Bird Flu which has now touched the British land as well. They have warned over 30,000 British Citizens who will travel to Saudi Arabia during the year to perform Umrah (lesser hajj), and those who have planned to travel to India, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, China, Turkey, where the outbreak of Bird flu has been reported. Pilgrims and visitors to those countries should take appropriate precautions to minimise their exposure to health hazards. Efforts should be made to avoid close contact with poultry, not to eat raw or poorly cooked poultry products including eggs and also avoid visiting poultry farms & markets.

"If somebody who has been in contact with suspected poultry and then develops fever, cough, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, sore eyes, muscle aches then he should immediately seek medical attention" said Dr. S.R. Hussain, the spokes person of the Association of British Hujjaj (pilgrims) UK.

The senior doctors also warned that British Pilgrims are at risk of Meningitis infections due to the over crowding at the ceremonies, accommodation, sites and public transport. Meningococcal infection is 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 are stiff neck, high fever, and sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches and vomiting. Therefore it is vital that all pilgrims must get 'quadrivalent' meningococcal vaccine (ACWY vac) and duly completed certificate from their GP's Surgery to protect themselves and their families before leaving for Saudi Arabia. Without duly completed abovementioned certificate the Saudi Embassy will reject the visa application.

The Association of British Hujjaj (pilgrims) UK is a Registered Charity and the only Hajj specific National Organisation working for the welfare and wellbeing of the British Hajj/ Umrah pilgrims.

Association of British Hujjaj (pilgrims) UK
Southside Centre, 249 Ladypool Road
Birmingham, B12 8LF
UK
Tel & Fax: 0121- 440 1700
http://www.abhuk.com

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