Health response to Hajj mass gathering from emergency perspective, narrative review

Shujaa, Asaad; Alhamid, Sameer

Mecca in summer time are very hot and Heatstroke cases frequent during the pilgrimage to Mecca, for example August 1985, 2000 cases of heatstroke were reported and more than 1000 of these individuals died within a few days. 3 A review of the effect of warm weather showed a strong correlation between high temperatures or humidity and the use of medical care during Hajj more than 1000 deaths from heatstroke in a few days and more than 18 000 people needing treatment in emergency departments for heat exhaustion. 58 Heat-related mortality and morbidity are preventable; the risk of heat-related death is increased with old age and pre-existing illnesses, particularly cardiovascular, pulmonary, and psychiatric disorders. 59 Non infectious related illness are preventable like stampedes by crowd management and control, grouping and scheduling pilgrims, changes in the construction of the transport system and video monitoring of pilgrims lead to no stampedes since 2006. Also Saudi civil defense were apply restrict safety regulation to prevent fire should every pilgrims followed also they are replaced the tents with permanent fiberglass tents. To prevent heat-related illness, every pilgrims need used sun protection equipment's such as umbrella, sunscreen. Avoid prolonged exposure to heat during hajj activities, drink adequate rehydration solution, using fans, cooling bus, places and accommodation.