1. Health Advisory from Ministry
of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
recommends that elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and children
should postpone the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages this year for their own safety.
· The Saudi government has advised that pilgrims planning to attend the Hajj must
be vaccinated against seasonal flu at least two weeks before travelling to the holy
places.
· Passengers are currently screened on arrival at all ports of entry into Saudi
Arabia. If a pilgrim is suspected to have influenza A H1N1 (swine flu), he/ she
will be temporarily quarantined. If he/ she test positive you will be admitted to
hospital for isolation.
2. Health advisory from Ministry
of Health , Government of India
2.1 Before leaving
India.
· Hajj Pilgrims would be medically examined for the signs/ symptoms of influenza
A H1N1 (fever, cough, running nose, sore throat, difficulty in breathing) at the
point of embarkation that is at the place where booking of pilgrims takes place
in their respective states. They will be issued an H1N1 symptom free certificate
in prescribed proforma. Contact the local health authority or the State Hajj Committee
for further information.
· There would be a provision made by the concerned State Governments at the respective
airports to issue such certificates to left out Hajj Pilgrims. Contact the Airport
Health Officer for further information.
2.2 During Travel and period of stay
in Saudi Arabia
2.2.1. Look for Symptoms of Influenza
A H1N1 (swine flu) :
· During Hajj, large
number of pilgrims gathers from swine flu affected countries. There is a possibility
of Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak taking place at such large gatherings.
Hajj Pilgrims should be familiar with the symptoms of this disease, namely fever,
cough, running nose, sore throat and difficulty in breathing. All Hajj pilgrims
need to self monitor their health.
2.2.2. If you think you have symptoms
of Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu):
· Consult the medical
officer in the Indian contingent. If need be, seek immediate advice from the nearest
Saudi medical facility. Anyone who contracts pandemic flu while in Saudi Arabia
will be given access free of charge to medication and treatment.
· If the advice of the medical doctor is to stay in the camp, use triple layer surgical
mask. Avoid close contact with others for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until
you have been symptom-free for 24 hours whichever is longer.
· Report to nearest identified health facility if symptoms aggravate (high fever,
difficulty in breathing, blue colour of the skin or lips, blood in sputum or altered
behaviour.
2.2.3. Follow simple public health
measures to prevent spread of H1N1 Flu (Do's and Dont's)
DO:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when
you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol
based hand gel.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid crowded places except for performing the religious activities
of Hajj.
- Stay more than an arm's length from persons afflicted with
flu.
- Get plenty of sleep.
-
Drink plenty of water
and eat nutritious food.
DO NOT:
X Shake hands or hug
in greeting except as a mandatory religious activity of the Hajj.
X Spit in public.
X Take medicines without consulting a physician.
2.3 After reaching Back
· Continue to monitor
your health for 10 days.
· Report to nearest screening centre if you develop symptoms of flu.
Summary information
extracted from following web pages. For more information may visit these sites.
http://www.hajinformation.com
http://health.moh.gov.sa/swine/recomd.htm
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_180496
New Delhi
5 October 2009