Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention has taken all necessary pre-emptive measures to ensure the health of pilgrims, an official said on Saturday.
Dr Nada Al Marzouqi, director of the Department of Preventive Medicine, said the ministry has issued necessary instructions ordering pilgrims to visit primary and preventive health care centres to get optional and mandatory vaccines and general medical guidelines as well as to evaluate their health status before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
Al Marzouqi noted that the vaccines given to pilgrims protect against many diseases including meningitis and flu. The ministry has also advised old people, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases to check their health status with their doctors before and after travel, she added.
She urged pilgrims to pay more attention to their personal hygiene, have their food regularly and exercise physical activities and then take a rest.
She also advised pilgrims to inform the accompanying medical team about any symptoms of diseases such as fever and cough as the crowds of pilgrims could result in transmitting some diseases, including meningitis and respiratory diseases, as well as food poisoning and heat stress. Pilgrims are advised to follow proper health guidelines while performing Haj rituals.
