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. 2015 Sep-Oct;31(5):1099-103.
doi: 10.12669/pjms.315.8017.

Pattern of patients and diseases during mass transit: The day of Arafat experience

Abdulfattah I Sindy  1 , Mostafa Jamil Baljoon  2 , Nadeem Alam Zubairi  3 , Khalid Obaid Dhafar  4 , Zohair Jamil Gazzaz  5 , Basma Abdulhameed Deiab  6 , FauzeaTalea Al Hothali  7
Affiliations

Pattern of patients and diseases during mass transit: The day of Arafat experience

Abdulfattah I Sindy et al. Pak J Med Sci. 2015 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Background and objective: Every year 2-3 million Muslims gather for a few days around the Holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. Managing enormous health issues associated with such a mass gathering requires a very vibrant health delivery plan. Related research is part of the strategy. This study was done to assess the pattern of patients and illnesses encountered at one health facility at Arafat on the 2nd day of Hajj, when all the pilgrims move from Mina and stay in Arafat for a few hours. The objective of the study was to provide input so that recommendations can be given for future improvement of health care during this mass transit.

Methods: All patients reporting sick to the Nimra Hospital on the Day of Arafat were included and documented on a detailed Performa and analyzed.

Results: We received 211 patients, essentially all of those were in need of acute medical intervention. Acute severe asthma and injuries were the major problems encountered. There were two deaths both related to heat stroke. Patients received were predominantly Arabic speaking.

Conclusions: Only those needing acute intervention seek medical advice during transit. Well equipped and staffed health facilities are, however, needed to cater these and for any mass casualties. Pre Hajj training and mandatory Flu vaccination can help.

Keywords: Arafat; Hajj; Saudi Arabia; flu vaccination.

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Figures

Fig.I
Fig.I
Age of Patients.
Fig-II
Fig-II
Patients Nationalities. KSA= Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Memish ZA, Zumla A, Alhakeem RF, Assiri A, Turkestani A, Al Harby KD, et al. Hajj: infectious disease surveillance and control. Lancet. 2014;383:2073–2082. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Eltahir AH. Development of Health Services in Hajj Season. J Family Community Med. 2000;7(1):13–14. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Ministry of Health (MOH). Arafat Hospitals Are Fully Prepared for the Provision of Best Services for Pilgrims. Hajj News. 2011 Nov 05;
    1. Ministry of Health (MOH). 46 Health Centers in Service of the Hajj Performers in Arafat. Ministry News. 2013 Oct 13;
    1. Central Department of Statistics & Information. Govt. of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Hajj Statistics for Hajj. 2013:1344H.

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