English
International SOS advises members ahead of Hajj
Dubai
International SOS is offering medical guidance to members ahead of this year’s Hajj, which is expected to take place approximately 2nd-7th October.
Potential health risks are commonly associated with gatherings of a large number of people. This year International SOS is advising members to take extra precautions, following advice from global health authorities on Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS Co-V) and Ebola.
By 10 September,over 800 cases of MERS Co-V had been reported to the World Health Organisation, with the vast majority of those from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to WHO, the overall risk for visitors to contract MERS Co-V appears to be low.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has announced that visas will not be issued to travellers from Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, which have been hard hit by the Ebola outbreak, for Umrah, Hajj or any other purpose.
International SOS continues to monitor the health authorities’ advice and is providing the following guidance to its members:
1. Maintain a high level of personal hygiene, including washing hands frequently with soap and water. Be sure to keep some distance from people, who are coughing, sneezing or appear to be sick.
2. Avoid contact with camels or their bodily fluids. Do not visit farms or caves where bats live. Avoid unnecessary contact with live animals and their environment.
3. Choose safe food and beverages. Wash fruit and vegetables well. Ensure any meat is thoroughly cooked; choose dairy items made from pasteurized milk only.
4. Only use registered barbers at officially designated centres, which use disposable, single-use shaving blades.
5. Ensure your routine and mandatory vaccinations are up to date. All travellers must have had a “quadrivalent” meningitis vaccination. Some travellers also need to show proof of yellow fever or polio vaccination. Seasonal flu vaccination is recommended prior to travel.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has urged vulnerable groups to postpone their Hajj journey this year, including:
• Individuals with chronic diseases(such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, immune deficiency, kidney disease and the terminally ill)
• Pregnant women
• Those aged over 65 or under 12
Dr. Issam Badaoui, Medical Director at International SOS, said:
“Hajj is a hugely important event and the advice from the global health authorities is that people deemed healthy and able should go ahead with their plans, as in previous years. MERS Co-V cases continue to occur, and our advice to members and the general public is to remain vigilant and take extra precautions to reduce the chances of contracting the MERS Co-V virus or other infectious diseases.”
Dr. Badaoui also provided the following preventative measures to help maintain the health of pilgrims more generally:
1. Keep hydrated to avoid heat stroke: Minimise time spent in the sun especially when it’s strongest - from 10 am to 4 pm. Drink plenty of fluids, protect the face and eyes with a hat and sunglasses, and wear sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher. If you feel dizzy or weak, immediately rest in a cool shaded area and drink extra fluids. If the symptoms continue, seek medical attention.
2. Practical issues: Arrival at Jeddah International Airport can be crowded. It may take several hours to go through customs and immigration, and several more hours to be transported to the reception centre. As with any trip, carry a photocopy of your passport and leave an additional photocopy with a trusted person in your home country. This is especially important during Hajj, as the Pilgrim Guides Association collects and holds pilgrims' passports. Accommodation availability is very low, so make bookings well in advance and reconfirm them before travel.
3. Stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings: Travellers should be aware of their surroundings and belongings. It is best to follow local guidelines and pilgrimage routes as indicated as part of local crowd management efforts.
Notes to Editors
About the International SOS Group of Companies The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability. Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
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