The Ministry of Health will dispatch three medical teams to the holy sites by the end of the week. The teams will monitor pilgrims with infectious diseases, see to environment and sanitation concerns, and organize health education programs for pilgrims.
The Director for Infectious Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Dr Amin Mishkas, told Arab News that the medical teams will assist pilgrims to deal with their health needs. He pointed out that food poisoning, influenza and meningitis are the most common health problems faced by pilgrims, usually resulting from pilgrims’ ignoring basic health rules.
The Ministry of Health is continuing checks of all incoming pilgrims to identify suspected SARS cases and other contagious diseases.
The Ministry’s Health Education Department will distribute pamphlets in 17 languages to inform the pilgrims of basic health rules. The department has also organized mobile teams to visit the camps of various nationalities to publicize health messages via audio visual aids.
Dr Mishkas advised pilgrims not to remain in overcrowded areas for protracted periods, which should reduce the spread of respiratory diseases. Pilgrims have also been requested to wash their hands with soap before meals and after leaving the toilet.
Hajj visas have been issued to pilgrims upon the production of vaccination certificates. Pilgrims must carry a vaccination certificate against meningitis to be permitted to enter the pilgrimage areas. Vaccinations against meningitis are valid for three years; pilgrims have been advised to have the injection at least ten days before their departure.
Source: SPA
