Open AccessRespiratory tract infection during Hajj
Author(s) -
Abdulaziz H. Alzeer
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
annals of thoracic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.639
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1817-1737
pISSN - 1998-3557
DOI - 10.4103/1817-1737.49412
Subject(s) - hajj , medicine , pneumonia , transmission (telecommunications) , respiratory tract , respiratory tract infections , vaccination , tuberculosis , upper respiratory tract infection , respiratory infection , intensive care medicine , immunology , respiratory system , pathology , philosophy , theology , islam , electrical engineering , engineering
Respiratory tract infection during Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) is a common illness, and it is responsible for most of the hospital admissions. Influenza virus is the leading cause of upper respiratory tract infection during Hajj, and pneumonia can be serious. Taking into account the close contacts among the pilgrims, as well as the crowding, the potential for transmission of M. tuberculosis is expected to be high. These pilgrims can be a source for spreading infection on their return home. Although vaccination program for influenza is implemented, its efficacy is uncertain in this religious season. Future studies should concentrate on prevention and mitigation of these infections.