Could influenza transmission be reduced by restricting mass gatherings? Towards an evidence-based policy framework

Abstract

These factors potentially represent a basis for a policy-making framework for MG restrictions in the event of a severe pandemic.

A systematic review of emerging respiratory viruses at the Hajj and possible coinfection with Streptococcus pneumoniae

“…In these studies, different methods were used to detect respiratory viruses, with PCR being the most common used method. There are multiple contributing factors for the transmission and acquisition of respiratory viruses during the Hajj and include the crowdedness, close proximity, and indoor or outdoor venue [80]. Consistent with few studies worldwide, entero-rhinovirus was the most common virus isolated among pilgrims.…”

“…The majority of viral respiratory infections acquired during pilgrimage are due to influenza viruses, and rhinoviruses [64]. The diagnosis of seasonal influenza during the hajj was a major focus of most studies addressing the prevalence of respiratory viruses among pilgrims [23,25,[32][33][34]36,39,40,43,56,[68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80]. In these studies, different methods were used to detect respiratory viruses, with PCR being the most common used method.…”

Mass Gatherings and Respiratory Disease Outbreaks in the United States – Should We Be Worried? Results from a Systematic Literature Review and Analysis of the National Outbreak Reporting System

“…Mass gatherings create environments conducive to the transmission of infectious disease including pandemic influenza. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Some mass gatherings such as outdoor sporting events may involve limited social mixing and are held in settings with ample ventilation.…”

Risks threatening the health of people participating in mass gatherings: A systematic review

“…[54556] Control of communicable diseases in the mass rallies is a very critical challenge because the outbreak of a disease in MGs can be a precursor to its spread to the entire community. [57]…”

“…The provisions include recommendations and different standard plans for participants[454648577172] and vaccination according to approved protocols. [5454648565867717273]…”