Take care when travelling to Mecca

12 November 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is urging UK travellers to the annual Hajj Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca to make sure they've taken all the appropriate health precautions before making the journey.

Professor Qutub Syed, Director, Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West, said: "We are urging all pilgrims from the North West to seek advice on immunisations and to consult their doctor about existing medical conditions before travelling. By doing this they will not only protect themselves from infections, but also avoid the risk of passing them on to fellow pilgrims.

"As we are entering the winter months, seasonal flu and influenza is a serious risk to pilgrims and I would strongly urge those in an 'at risk' group to consider vaccination before they travel."

More than two million Muslims perform the Hajj every year, with around 25,000 pilgrims from the UK. The Hajj is the largest annual international gathering of its kind in the world with pilgrims travelling from mid November.

The influx of a large population from around the world within a confined area over a short period has historically increased the risk of infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics, in particular meningococcal disease.

As people are preparing to make the journey, travellers are being reminded of the importance of seeking pre-travel health advice before travelling and making sure they are properly immunised.

Recommendations / requirements to reduce health risks include:

All pilgrims are required to have had obtain seasonal flu vaccine and have proof of vaccination
All pilgrims to Hajj are required to show proof of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis.
People in vulnerable groups i.e. the elderly, children, pregnant women and patients with chronic diseases are being advised they should not travel

Ends

Note to Editors

Press release issued by Hugh Lamont, Communications Manager, HPA North West. Tel 0151-482-5728 or 07764-906508.

Further advice and information about vaccination and other health needs associated with the Hajj can be obtained from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (www.nathnac.org) with a specific link for information for pilgrims - (http://www.nathnac.org/pro/factsheets/Hajj_Umrah.htm)
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has information for travellers (http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/)
The Department of Health guidance for Hajj travellers:
(http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAdviceForTravellers/HealthUpdates/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4114831&chk=tmMZbe)
Further information on influenza and flu vaccine can be found at http://www.immunisation.nhs.uk

Last reviewed: 13 November 2009