This year the Hajj is estimated to take place between 13 and 18 October 2013 and about three million pilgrims are likely to travel to Mecca.
Due to the large amounts of people meeting in one area the spread of disease is common. The Saudi government has issued strict rules on the vaccination requirements of all Muslims intending to travel to the Hajj and before being allowed entry to the country.
Incoming travellers to the Hajj or Umrah or for seasonal work in the areas of Hajj from any country are required to have a valid vaccination certificate against Meningococcal Meningitis ACYW135 strain stating that the traveller has received it 10 days earlier and no more than 3 years prior to their arrival.
Incoming travellers from all countries are advised to have the vaccine against seasonal flu. Those travellers coming from countries where yellow fever and polio are present also need to have been vaccinated against these diseases.
Travellers from the United Kingdom should ensure they are up to date with Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio and Measles, Mumps and Rubella. It is also advised that before you leave you get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. It may also be necessary to take malaria tablets. The cities of Mecca and Medina are low risk however the areas between them are not. Please come in for a consultation to check if you may be at risk from malaria.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabi, Ministry of Health also suggests those who are young (under 12yrs), the elderly (over 65), pregnant women and those with chronic diseases (e.g. heart, kidney, lung or diabetes) should stay away from the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages for this year for their own safety because of the recent emergence of the new novel coronavirus known as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). If you do have a chronic disease and still intend to go the Department of Health in Saudia Arabia has guidance on this on their website www.moh.gov.sa. MERS-CoV is a new disease which causes respiratory symptoms and pneumonia and over half of the people who have caught the disease have died. Risk for fit and healthy travellers is low. However, the spread of the disease is from person to person so advice includes:
- Washing your hands well and frequently with soap and water or hand sanitiser, particularly if you are coughing or sneezing
- Wear a mask in crowded areas and change frequently
- Use disposable tissues to cough and sneeze into and dispose of them appropriately
- Keeps your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth which can easily spread disease
- Steer away from people who look sick and are coughing and sneezing
- Seek medical help if you develop a fever, cough or breathing difficulties.
Remember Saudi Arabia is hot all year round! Sunburn, heat stroke and exhaustion are common issues faced by pilgrims. Try and avoid peak times and seek shade where possible, drink plenty of fluids, wear sunscreen and wear good quality footwear, the sandy earth will burn your feet!
Men who will get their heads shaved need to ensure they go to a licensed barber who has been checked for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C and who will use clean disposable razors. Unfortunately unlicensed barbers continue to operate in Saudi Arabia, so be aware and take your own razor.
Due to the amount of people attending the Hajj in previous years there have been accidents including stampedes. The Saudi government have been proactive in trying to stop this happening again and now monitor and thin out crowds. Road traffic accidents also increase around the time of the Hajj, so ensure you have good travel insurance and a medical kit (available at The Travel Clinic Ltd) at hand. Attending the Hajj can be very tiring so please ensure you are fit before you travel.
At The Travel Clinic Ltd we offer vaccinations against Meningitis ACWY and seasonal flu (from late September 2013) and can also provide certificates, along with malaria and other travel advice. For prices and more information please visit our website www.travelclinic.ltd.uk or call us on 08455 480543.