When visiting Mecca for the Hadj or Umrah, you can get annoying and sometimes
contract dangerous diseases. You can reduce the risk of this by getting vaccinations and
some simple precautions to take. In this leaflet, you will read here
more on.
Measures against MERS virus
Since September 2012, there has been an outbreak in Saudi Arabia of a new type of virus: the
'Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus' or MERS virus. This virus can cause severe
cause pneumonia. Especially people with weaker health (e.g. due to
diabetes or chronic lung disease, kidney disease, immune disorders) can be serious
fall ill and even die from MERS. People with weaker health or with
chronic diseases are advised to consult with their treating (family) physician whether the
making a trip to Mecca at this time is wise. In addition, Saudi advises
Arabia also pregnant people, children 65 years to postpone the trip.
It is not yet known exactly how people become infected. There are indications that the
dromedaries can carry the MERS virus and also transmit the virus to humans.
Measures you can take to reduce the risk of infection with the MERS virus
are:
➤ contact with farms, pets and wild animals (especially dromedaries) as much
avoid as much as possible.
➤ frequently wash hands with soap.
➤ Handle food hygienically: food should be sufficiently heated, do not eat raw food
and do not drink raw milk (especially from dromedaries), wash fruit and vegetables with
boiled or bottled water.
➤ observe personal hygiene.
If you suffer from a respiratory infection during the Hadj or Umrah, especially if there is any
of fever, cough or shortness of breath, or develops other symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea, is
advised:
➤ avoid contact with others as much as possible.
➤ when coughing or sneezing, cover nose and mouth with a tissue, then remove it
throw in the trash and wash hands. If no tissues are available,
then cough into the sleeve, but not into the hands.
➤ If necessary, seek medical help from local doctors.
It is also advised to consult a doctor if you are within 2 weeks of returning to
Netherlands suffer from coughing with fever or shortness of breath, or other complaints such as
vomiting or diarrhoea. Please mention the recent trip to Saudi Arabia.
Vaccination against meningococcal disease
Meningococci are bacteria that cause meningitis and blood poisoning
can cause. In recent years, many visitors to the Hadj and Umrah have fallen ill
become ill from this bacterium. A number of people have died from the effects of the disease.
You can protect yourself by getting vaccinated. The government of Saudi Arabia proposes these
vaccination even mandatory for all travellers to Mecca. The vaccination certificate is valid for 5 years
For pilgrims to Mecca.
Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis (DTP)
You are at particular risk of tetanus and poliomyelitis. You can contract the tetanus bacterium if
street dirt or dust gets into a wound or from an animal bite. Symptoms are severe
muscle cramps, from which one can die. Poliovirus is transmitted through the
faeces, as well as through food or drinking water. Infection can cause muscle paralysis
which can cause death. You can protect yourself from these diseases by
vaccination. A series of 3 vaccinations or a booster gives 10 years of protection.
Vaccination against hepatitis A
The hepatitis A virus is transmitted through faeces or through contaminated food or drinking water.
Whether you should get vaccinated depends on where you were born and raised.
Other vaccinations and medicines
Sometimes you may be advised additional vaccinations, such as a flu vaccination. This depends on your
age and your medical history. For certain conditions, people
advised to use antibiotics in case of diarrhoea.
General protective measures
➤ Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, before cooking and before eating.
➤ Be careful what you eat and drink. Food should be sufficiently heated. Do not eat raw food
or food that has stood for a long time. Drink only boiled or bottled water.
➤ If you have diarrhoea, keep drinking plenty: 2 to 3 litres of fluids. Diarrhoea usually passes after
a few days on its own; medication is often not necessary. See a doctor in case of
diarrhoea with fever and/or blood, or with diarrhoea lasting more than 3 days. Young children
and elderly people should see a doctor if diarrhoea lasts longer than 1 day.
➤ Men who shave with already used razor blades are at risk of blood-borne diseases, such as hepatitis B and C. Therefore, only visit an official barber,
Who uses disposable razor blades.
➤ Avoid contact with animals. Animals can transmit diseases, such as rabies.
Stay out of the sun as much as possible, especially between 11 am and 3 pm. Protect the skin with clothing and
sunscreen with sufficiently high protection factor. If you do not want to
cover, you can use a (white) parasol. Good footwear prevents burns
on their feet through the hot desert sand. Drink plenty to avoid dehydration.
➤ If you take medication, take enough with you, preferably in your hand luggage. U
can have your pharmacy or GP make a list of the medicines you take.
➤ If you are known to have a condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, ask your
GP or attending physician for additional advice. Bear in mind that you will be doing a lot of physical exercise
will perform. Take adequate rest.
➤ In case of persistent or serious health problems during or after your trip, visit a health centre in good time
doctor. In this case, always tell your (family) doctor that you have been abroad.
See also www.lcr.nl and the website of the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia:
www.moh.gov.sa/en/Hajj
Download the leaflet below!
