Hajj travel health advice for pilgrims

Public Health England (PHE) and National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) are reminding people planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to check the latest health advice before making the journey.

Further advice has been issued in the light of the on-going cases of Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

The Hajj is the largest annual international gathering with more than three million Muslims travelling from around the world to make the pilgrimage including thousands from the UK. This year Hajj is estimated to fall between 13 and 15 October 2013.

Although the World Health Organization does not currently advise any travel restrictions to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in relation to MERS-CoV, in addition to the usual health recommendations that are required for pilgrims, the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has recommended that the following groups postpone the performance of the Hajj and Umrah this year for their own safety:

• The elderly (over 65 years of age) 
• Those with chronic diseases (such as heart, kidney or respiratory disease, diabetes), immune deficiency, cancer and terminal illnesses) 
• Pregnant women and children under 12 years of age 

Professor Martyn Regan, Centre Director of the Greater Manchester PHE Centre, said: “A large population from around the world confined to one area has historically increased the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, in particular meningitis and respiratory infections, which is why getting the relevant travel advice and vaccinations in advance of your departure is so important.

“Although there have only been a relatively small number of confirmed MERS-CoV cases worldwide, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has advised vulnerable people and children who may have been planning to travel to the Middle East to perform the Hajj or Umrah to postpone their pilgrimage.

“Other people should continue with their plans but follow the specific guidance on the Hajj and Umrah, and other general advice about staying safe and healthy when travelling.”

Mr Abdul Razzaq, Director of Public Health in Trafford urges pilgrims to follow five key essential tips for a safe and healthy Hajj: “Pilgrims must ensure they have a valid certificate of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis, maintain good personal hygiene including washing hands with soap and water or disinfectant, especially after coughing and sneezing, use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and dispose of it in the waste basket, avoid risks of dehydration by drinking plenty of water and use an umbrella to seek shade from the heat.”

“It’s really important for pilgrims to seek medical advice about their trip, to protect themselves from infection and to ensure that they comply with Saudi Arabia’s entry requirements for Hajj. Every pilgrim is unique and should see their GP to determine what their health needs might be during Hajj. For many, the pilgrimage will be the trip of a lifetime. If they are well prepared, they will ensure that it is a healthy trip and memorable for the right reasons.”