Experts Warns Intending Pilgrims To Beware Of Infectious Diseases, Meningitis

ISLAMABAD,(UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Augst,2016) : Health experts from the Association of British Hujjaj (ABH) UK Monday warned the intending pilgrims to beware of infectious diseases including Meningitis during their stay in Saudi Arabia. Issuing a stern warning to the pilgrims, who are scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia to perform the religious obligation next month, they advised the Hujjaj to take the threat of meningitis seriously and described it a 'killer.' According to a press release received here, the health experts said meningitis was one of the most notorious killer diseases known to mankind, with a very high risk of mortality and disabilities.

"Unfortunately, there has been an outbreak of meningitis in the past during Hajj pilgrimage where a substantial number of innocent pilgrims died including over 20 tragic deaths amongst British Hajj pilgrims," they said. The experts reminded the pilgrims that they were at high risk of contracting infectious diseases, including meningitis due to the crowded condition at 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, and close and prolonged contact (e.g.

sneezing and coughing on someone, etc.) facilitates the spread of infection," they said and added that the most common symptoms of meningitis were stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches and vomiting. Meningitis vaccination is a mandatory legal requirement by the Saudi authorities to issue them entry visa for the holy land.

The experts strongly urged the pilgrims to get their meningitis vaccines from their doctor in order to protect themselves and their families before leaving for the Hajj pilgrimage. They asked the Hujjaj to carry their vaccination certificates with them as these would be checked from time to time during their stay in Saudi Arabia especially at airports by the authorities concerned.