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Special Issue: Travel and Tropical Medicine. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6020053. [PMID: 33921618 PMCID: PMC8167769 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6020053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Alghamdi SM, Alqahtani JS, Aldhahir AM. Current status of telehealth in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19. J Family Community Med 2020; 27:208-211. [PMID: 33354152 PMCID: PMC7745786 DOI: 10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_295_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the responses of countries to emerging infectious diseases have altered dramatically, increasing the demand for health-care practitioners. Telehealth (TH) applications could have an important role in supporting public health precautions and the control of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review summarizes the existing literature on the current status of TH applications used during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia and discusses the extent to which TH can support public health measures. TH mobile applications (e.g., Seha, Mawid, Tawakklna, Tabaud, and Tetamman) have found effective tools to facilitate delivering healthcare to persons with COVID-19, and tracking of COVID-19 patients. TH has been essential in the control of the spread of COVID-19 and has helped to flatten the growth curve in Saudi Arabia. Further research is needed to explore the impact of TH applications on the progression of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed M Alghamdi
- Faculty of Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK.,Respiratory Care Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaber S Alqahtani
- Department of Respiratory Care, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.,UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
| | - Abdulelah M Aldhahir
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Respiratory Care, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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Badahdah AM, Bakarman MA, Khatami A, Tashani M, Barasheed O, Alfelali M, Azeem MI, Bokhary H, Soltan O, Lahra MM, Jeoffreys N, Kok J, Dwyer DE, Booy R, Rashid H. Meningococcal and pneumococcal carriage in Hajj pilgrims: findings of a randomized controlled trial. J Travel Med 2020; 27:5775502. [PMID: 32125434 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taaa032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intense congestion during the Hajj pilgrimage amplifies the risk of meningococcal carriage and disease, and there have been many meningococcal outbreaks reported amongst pilgrims. Thus, a strict vaccination policy is enforced by the host country and either polysaccharide or conjugate quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines are mandatory. However, unlike conjugate vaccines, the polysaccharide vaccine is not thought to reduce pharyngeal carriage of meningococci. METHODS A single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial amongst pilgrims from Saudi Arabia and Australia during the Hajj seasons of 2016-2017 was conducted to compare MenACWY-Conjugate vaccine with MenACWY-Polysaccharide vaccine, to determine if the conjugate vaccine is more effective in reducing asymptomatic carriage of meningococci, and whether the effect may be long-standing. Oropharyngeal swabs were obtained pre-, immediately post- and 6-11 months following completion of Hajj and tested for the presence of meningococci. RESULTS Amongst 2000 individuals approached, only 1146 participants aged 18-91 (mean 37.6) years agreed to participate and were randomized to receive either the polysaccharide (n = 561) or the conjugate (n = 561) vaccine, 60.8% were male, and 93.5% were from Saudi Arabia. Amongst oropharyngeal swabs obtained before Hajj, only two (0.2%) tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis. Similarly, meningococci were identified in only one sample at each of the post-Hajj and late follow-up visits. None of the carriage isolates were amongst the serogroups covered by the vaccines. A post hoc analysis of the third swabs revealed that 22.4% of all participants (50/223) were positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae nucleic acid. CONCLUSION The low overall carriage rate of meningococci found amongst Hajj pilgrims in 2016 and 2017 demonstrates a successful vaccination policy, but neither supports nor refutes the superiority of meningococcal conjugate ACWY vaccine over the polysaccharide vaccine against carriage. Although an association could not be established in this study, molecular epidemiology would help to establish the role of Hajj in facilitating transmission of pneumococci and inform vaccination policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Al-Mamoon Badahdah
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia.,National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,The Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Marwan A Bakarman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ameneh Khatami
- The Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Mohamed Tashani
- The Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Ain Zara, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Osamah Barasheed
- The Executive Administration of Research and Innovation, King Abdullah Medical City in Holy Capital (KAMC-HC), Makkah 24246, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Alfelali
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia.,National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,The Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Mohammad I Azeem
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Hamid Bokhary
- Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Osama Soltan
- Microbiology department, Al Borg Medical Laboratories, Jeddah 21573, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monica M Lahra
- The World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for STI and AMR, and Neisseria Reference Laboratory, New South Wales Health Pathology, Microbiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Neisha Jeoffreys
- New South Wales Health Pathology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jen Kok
- New South Wales Health Pathology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Dominic E Dwyer
- New South Wales Health Pathology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Robert Booy
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,The Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Harunor Rashid
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,The Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Meningococcal Vaccine for Hajj Pilgrims: Compliance, Predictors, and Barriers. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:tropicalmed4040127. [PMID: 31618945 PMCID: PMC6958484 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4040127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Major intercontinental outbreaks of invasive meningococcal disease associated with the Hajj occurred in 1987, 2000, and 2001. Mandatory meningococcal vaccination for all pilgrims against serogroups A and C and, subsequently, A, C, W, and Y controlled the epidemics. Overseas pilgrims show excellent adherence to the policy; however, vaccine uptake among domestic pilgrims is suboptimal. This survey aimed to evaluate meningococcal vaccine uptake among Hajj pilgrims and to identify key factors affecting this. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among pilgrims in Greater Makkah during the Hajj in 2017–2018. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, vaccination status, cost of vaccination, and reasons behind non-receipt of the vaccine were collected. Results: A total of 509 respondents aged 13 to 82 (median 33.8) years participated in the survey: 86% male, 85% domestic pilgrims. Only 389/476 (81.7%) confirmed their meningococcal vaccination status; 64 individuals (13.4%), all domestic pilgrims, did not receive the vaccine, and 23 (4.8%) were unsure. Among overseas pilgrims, 93.5% certainly received the vaccine (6.5% were unsure) compared to 80.9% of domestic pilgrims (p < 0.01). Being employed and having a tertiary qualification were significant predictors of vaccination adherence (odds ratio (OR) = 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3–3.8, p < 0.01; and OR = 1.7, CI = 1–2.5, p < 0.05, respectively). Those who obtained pre-Hajj health advice were more than three times as likely to be vaccinated than those who did not (OR = 3.3, CI = 1.9–5.9, p < 0.001). Lack of awareness (63.2%, 36/57) and lack of time (15.8%, 9/57) were the most common reasons reported for non-receipt of vaccine. Conclusion: Many domestic pilgrims missed the compulsory meningococcal vaccine; in this regard, lack of awareness is a key barrier. Being an overseas pilgrim (or living at a distance from Makkah), receipt of pre-Hajj health advice, and employment were predictors of greater compliance with the vaccination policy. Opportunities remain to reduce the policy–practice gap among domestic pilgrims.
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Badahdah AM, Alfelali M, Alqahtani AS, Alsharif S, Barasheed O, Rashid H. Mandatory meningococcal vaccine, and other recommended immunisations: Uptake, barriers, and facilitators among health care workers and trainees at Hajj. World J Clin Cases 2018; 6:1128-1135. [PMID: 30613671 PMCID: PMC6306626 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v6.i16.1128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the uptake of a mandatory meningococcal, a highly recommended influenza, and an optional pneumococcal vaccine, and to explore the key factors affecting vaccination rate among health care workers (HCWs) during the Hajj.
METHODS An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was distributed among HCWs and trainees who worked or volunteered at the Hajj 2015-2017 through their line managers, or by visiting their hospitals and healthcare centres in Makkah and Mina. Overseas HCWs who accompanied the pilgrims or those who work in foreign Hajj medical missions were excluded. Pearson’s χ2 test was used to compare categorical variables and odds ratio (OR) was calculated by “risk estimate” statistics along with 95% confidence interval (95%CI).
RESULTS A total of 138 respondents aged 20 to 59 (median 25.6) years with a male to female ratio of 2.5:1 participated in the survey. Only 11.6% (16/138) participants reported receiving all three vaccines, 15.2% (21/138) did not receive any vaccine, 76.1% (105/138) received meningococcal, 68.1% (94/138) influenza and 13.8% (19/138) pneumococcal vaccine. Females were more likely to receive a vaccine than males (OR 3.6, 95%CI: 1.0-12.7, P < 0.05). Willingness to follow health authority’s recommendation was the main reason for receipt of vaccine (78.8%) while believing that they were up-to-date with vaccination (39.8%) was the prime reason for non-receipt.
CONCLUSION Some HCWs at Hajj miss out the compulsory and highly recommended vaccines; lack of awareness is a key barrier and authority’s advice is an important motivator. Health education followed by stringent measures may be required to improve their vaccination rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Al-Mamoon Badahdah
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia
- Harunor Rashid, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Harunor Rashid, the Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, the University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Mohammad Alfelali
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia
- Harunor Rashid, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Harunor Rashid, the Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, the University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | | | - Saeed Alsharif
- Command and Control Centre of Infectious Diseases of Public Health Department of Ministry of Health, Taif 26521, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osamah Barasheed
- Harunor Rashid, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Harunor Rashid, the Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, the University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- the Executive Administration of Research and Innovation at King Abdullah Medical City in Holy Capital, Makkah 24246, Saudi Arabia
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Alfelali M, Alqahtani AS, Barasheed O, Booy R, Rashid H. Mandating influenza vaccine for Hajj pilgrims. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018; 16:633-634. [PMID: 27301914 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(16)30064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alfelali
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Amani S Alqahtani
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Osamah Barasheed
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The Executive Administration of Research, King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC), Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robert Booy
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Harunor Rashid
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Shafi S, Dar O, Khan M, Khan M, Azhar EI, McCloskey B, Zumla A, Petersen E. The annual Hajj pilgrimage-minimizing the risk of ill health in pilgrims from Europe and opportunity for driving the best prevention and health promotion guidelines. Int J Infect Dis 2016; 47:79-82. [PMID: 27343984 PMCID: PMC7110525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mass gatherings at religious events can pose major public health challenges, particularly the transmission of infectious diseases. Every year the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) hosts the Hajj pilgrimage, the largest gathering held on an annual basis where over 2 million people come to KSA from over 180 countries. Living together in crowded conditions exposes the pilgrims and the local population to a range infectious diseases. Respiratory and gastrointestinal tract bacterial and viral infections can spread rapidly and affect attendees of mass gatherings. Lethal infectious disease outbreaks were common during Hajj in the 19th and 20th centuries although they have now been controlled to a great extent by the huge investments made by the KSA into public health prevention and surveillance programs. The KSA provides regular updated Hajj travel advice and health regulations through international public health agencies such as the WHO, Public Health England, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Hajj travel agencies. During the Hajj, an additional 25 000 health workers are deployed; there are eight hospitals in Makkah and Mina complete with state-of-the-art surgical wards and intensive care units made specifically available for pilgrims. All medical facilities offer high quality of care, and services are offered free to Hajj pilgrims to ensure the risks of ill health to all pilgrims and KSA residents are minimal. A summary of the key health issues that arise in pilgrims from Europe during Hajj and of the KSA Hajj guidelines, together with other factors that may play a role in reducing the risks to pilgrims and to wider global health security, is provided herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuja Shafi
- Muslim Council of Great Britain, London, UK.
| | - Osman Dar
- Public Health England, London, UK; Chatham House Centre on Global Health Security, Royal Institute of International Affairs, London, UK
| | - Mishal Khan
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Esam I Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, and Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Eskild Petersen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus, Denmark; The Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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Yezli S, Bin Saeed AA, Assiri AM, Alhakeem RF, Yunus MA, Turkistani AM, Booy R, Alotaibi BM. Prevention of meningococcal disease during the Hajj and Umrah mass gatherings: past and current measures and future prospects. Int J Infect Dis 2015; 47:71-8. [PMID: 26707071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2015.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has a long history of instituting preventative measures against meningococcal disease (MD). KSA is at risk of outbreaks of MD due to its geographic location, demography, and especially because it hosts the annual Hajj and Umrah mass gatherings. Preventative measures for Hajj and Umrah include vaccination, targeted chemoprophylaxis, health awareness and educational campaigns, as well as an active disease surveillance and response system. Preventative measures have been introduced and updated in accordance with changes in the epidemiology of MD and available preventative tools. The mandatory meningococcal vaccination policy for pilgrims has possibly been the major factor in preventing outbreaks during the pilgrimages. The policy of chemoprophylaxis for all pilgrims arriving from the African meningitis belt has also probably been important in reducing the carriage and transmission of Neisseria meningitidis in KSA and beyond. The preventative measures for Hajj and Umrah are likely to continue to focus on vaccination, but to favour the conjugate vaccine for its extra benefits over the polysaccharide vaccines. Additionally, the surveillance system will continue to be strengthened to ensure early detection and response to cases and outbreaks; ongoing disease awareness campaigns for pilgrims will continue, as will chemoprophylaxis for target groups. Local and worldwide surveillance of the disease and drug-resistant N. meningitidis are crucial in informing future recommendations for vaccination, chemoprophylaxis, and treatment. Preventative measures should be reviewed regularly and updated accordingly, and compliance with these measures should be monitored and enhanced to prevent MD during Hajj and Umrah, as well as local and international outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Yezli
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdulaziz A Bin Saeed
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Rafat F Alhakeem
- Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muslim A Yunus
- Immunization Unit, Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Robert Booy
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead and University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Badriah M Alotaibi
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Sindy AI, Baljoon MJ, Zubairi NA, Dhafar KO, Gazzaz ZJ, Deiab BA, Hothali FA. Pattern of patients and diseases during mass transit: The day of Arafat experience. Pak J Med Sci 2015; 31:1099-103. [PMID: 26648994 PMCID: PMC4641263 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.315.8017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulfattah I Sindy
- Dr. Abdulfattah I. Sindy, MB ChB. Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Nadeem Alam Zubairi
- Dr. Nadeem Alam Zubairi, FCPS. Rabigh Medical College, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Obaid Dhafar
- Dr. Khalid Obaid Dhafar, FRCS. Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zohair Jamil Gazzaz
- Dr. Zohair Jamil Gazzaz, PhD. Rabigh Medical College, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma Abdulhameed Deiab
- Dr. Basma Abdulhameed Deiab, PhD. General Directorate of healthcare affairs, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Countries face conflicting incentives to report infectious disease outbreaks. Reports of outbreaks can prompt other countries to impose trade and travel restrictions, which has the potential to discourage reporting. However, reports can also bring medical assistance to contain the outbreak, including access to vaccines. METHODS We compiled data on reports of meningococcal meningitis to the World Health Organization (WHO) from 54 African countries between 1966 and 2002, a period is marked by two events: first, a large outbreak reported from many countries in 1987 associated with the Hajj that resulted in more stringent requirements for meningitis vaccination among pilgrims; and second, another large outbreak in Sub-Saharan Africa in 1996 that led to a new international mechanism to supply vaccines to countries reporting a meningitis outbreak. We used fixed-effects regression modeling to statistically estimate the effect of external forcing events on the number of countries reporting cases of meningitis to WHO. FINDINGS We find that the Hajj vaccination requirements started in 1988 were associated with reduced reporting, especially among countries with relatively fewer cases reported between 1966 and 1979. After the vaccine provision mechanism was in place in 1996, reporting among countries that had previously not reported meningitis outbreaks increased. INTERPRETATION These results indicate that countries may respond to changing incentives to report outbreaks when they can do so. In the long term, these incentives are likely to be more important than surveillance assistance in prompt reporting of outbreaks.
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11
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Memish Z, Al Hakeem R, Al Neel O, Danis K, Jasir A, Eibach D. Laboratory-confirmed invasive meningococcal disease: effect of the Hajj vaccination policy, Saudi Arabia, 1995 to 2011. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 18. [PMID: 24079399 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2013.18.37.20581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Saudi Arabia (SA) experienced two large invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) outbreaks during the 2000 and 2001 Hajj pilgrimages. In 2002, polysaccharide quadrivalent ACWY vaccines became mandatory for Mecca and Medina pilgrims/residents older than two years. This study aimed to analyse IMD surveillance data among citizens, residents and pilgrims in SA from 1995 to 2011, focusing on changes before and after the new vaccination policy. For all laboratory-confirmed IMD cases in the national surveillance database from 1995 to 2011, serogroup and age were retrieved. The cases' seasonal distribution as well as the case fatality ratios (CFR) were obtained. For Saudi citizens/residents and Hajj pilgrims, annual rates were calculated using mid-year population estimates. The Student's t-test was used to compare means between the pre-epidemic (1995-1999) and post-epidemic (2002-2011) periods, excluding outbreak years. From 1995 to 2011, laboratories notified 1,103 cases. Between the pre- and post-epidemic periods, mean annual IMD rates decreased from 0.20 (standard deviation (SD): 0.1) to 0.06 cases/100,000 (SD: 0.06; p=0.02), mean numbers of Hajj-related cases from 13 (SD: 9.3) to 2 cases/year (SD: 2.3; p=0.02) and the mean age from 31 (SD: 1.3) to 18 years (SD: 1.4; p<0.01). The CFR in Saudi citizens (10.4) was lower than among foreign pilgrims (28.9) and decreased from 19.3% (SD: 1.8) in the pre-epidemic to 11.4% (SD: 7.0; p=0.04) in the post-epidemic phase. The decrease of annual IMD rates, CFR and Hajj-related cases between the pre- and post- vaccine era suggests a possible positive effect of the mandatory ACWY vaccination for pilgrims/residents in Mecca and Medina. Regular surveillance with an annual data analysis is necessary to monitor trends and circulating serotypes and to implement appropriate public health measures to avoid new IMD epidemics during upcoming Hajj seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Memish
- Public Health Directorate, WHO Collaborating Center for Mass Gathering Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Ceyhan M, Anis S, Htun-Myint L, Pawinski R, Soriano-Gabarró M, Vyse A. Meningococcal disease in the Middle East and North Africa: an important public health consideration that requires further attention. Int J Infect Dis 2012; 16:e574-82. [PMID: 22647750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2012.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews the epidemiological data describing meningococcal disease in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). While meningococcal disease remains an important cause of endemic and epidemic disease in many MENA countries, existing published epidemiological data appear limited, fragmented, and collected via disparate methodologies. Children aged 5 years and younger are predominantly affected, though outbreaks of the disease often affect older age groups. Whilst serogroup A remains a main cause of meningococcal disease in the region, cases of serogroup B, W-135, and Y have been increasingly reported over the last two decades in some countries. The Hajj pilgrimage is a key factor influencing outbreaks and transmission, and the use of vaccines has minimized the effects on the home countries of the pilgrims and has decreased global dissemination of disease. Wider use of available polyvalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines may provide broader protection against the range of serogroups causing disease or posing a threat in the region. In addition, strengthening regional surveillance systems and regularly publishing reports with reliable estimates of disease incidence, carriage, disease-related mortality, and sequelae may facilitate the development of appropriate interventions and public health strategies regarding meningococcal disease within the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Ceyhan
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Memish ZA, Shibl AM. Consensus building and recommendations based on the available epidemiology of meningococcal disease in Gulf Cooperation Council States. Travel Med Infect Dis 2011; 9:60-6. [PMID: 21345738 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2011.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Revised: 01/07/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States share concerns about meningococcal disease, particularly in association with the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, which have been connected with outbreaks within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and among contacts of the pilgrims in their countries of origin. Currently, the most prevalent meningococcal serogroup in the GCC States is W-135. Although vaccination with polysaccharide vaccines has protected pilgrims and their close contacts from invasive disease, the potential availability of novel conjugate vaccines, such as the one currently used for vaccination of military personnel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, prompted an evaluation of disease epidemiology in the region. For several countries, published data on recent epidemiology are not available. We report findings from a meeting of the GCC States Meningitis Study Group, which comprised experts from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the Sultanate of Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. These experts provided an update on epidemiology and current vaccination practices in the GCC States, and discussed new approaches to more effective disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziad A Memish
- Ministry of Health, Preventive Medicine Directorate, P.O. Box 54146, Riyadh 11514, Saudi Arabia.
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Baharoon S, Al-Jahdali H, Al Hashmi J, Memish ZA, Ahmed QA. Severe sepsis and septic shock at the Hajj: etiologies and outcomes. Travel Med Infect Dis 2008; 7:247-52. [PMID: 19717109 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2008.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2008] [Accepted: 09/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Hajj represents the largest mass migration on earth, during which several million Muslims travel across the planet to descend on specific holy sites at Makkah in the Hijaz area of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since sepsis syndrome is a major worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality we decided to study the incidence, etiologies, complications and outcome of severe sepsis and septic shock among Hajjees patients in two major intensive care units (ICUs) in Makkah for the Hajj season 2004. METHOD A prospective observational study was conducted during the 2004 Hajj season between 8 January and 21 February in two major hospitals in Makkah. RESULTS Severe sepsis and septic shock accounts for 25.4% of admission to the ICU during Hajj. The mean age of hajjees was 65.45 (+/-14.0) years. Chronic respiratory illness was the leading comorbidity present in more than 70% of hajjees and pneumonia was the leading cause of sever sepsis and septic shock. Gram-negative organisms were the most frequently isolated pathogen in this subset of patients. Acute renal failure is common among pilgrims who presented with septic shock, and carries high mortality. CONCLUSION Septic shock is a major cause of admission to the ICU during Hajj and carries a poor outcome. More studies are needed to evaluate modifiable factors that are associated with this high mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salim Baharoon
- Department of Critical Care & Internal Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia.
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Rashid H, Booy R, Shafi S, Haworth E. Conjugate versus polysaccharide meningococcal vaccine. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2008; 8:215. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(08)70052-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Hajj: Health lessons for mass gatherings. J Infect Public Health 2008; 1:27-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2008.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2008] [Revised: 08/20/2008] [Accepted: 08/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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