Non-pharmaceutical interventions for the prevention of respiratory tract infections during Hajj pilgrimage

Benkouiten, Samir; Brouqui, Philippe; Gautret, Philippe

doi:10.1016/j.tmaid.2014.06.005

Cited by 79 publications

(85 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…Studies are needed to evaluate the potential effect of H. influenzae vaccine within the context of the Hajj. Nonpharmaceutical intervention including face mask use and hand hygiene should be also considered [24].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mass gathering and globalization of respiratory pathogens during the 2013 Hajj

Memish

Assiri

Turkestani

et al. 2015

Clinical Microbiology and Infection

121

141

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Every year, more than 10 million pilgrims arrive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Hajj or Umrah. Crowding conditions lead to high rates of respiratory infections among the pilgrims, representing a significant cause of morbidity and a major cause of hospitalization. Pre- and post-Hajj nasal specimens were prospectively obtained from a paired cohort (692 pilgrims) and from nonpaired cohorts (514 arriving and 470 departing pilgrims) from 13 countries. The countries of residence included Africa (44.2%), Asia (40.2%), the United States (8.4%) and Europe (7.2%). Nasal specimens were tested for 34 respiratory pathogens using RT-PCR. A total of 80 512 PCRs were performed. The prevalence of viruses and bacteria increased, from 7.4% and 15.4% before the Hajj to 45.4% and 31.0% after the Hajj, respectively, due to the acquisition of rhinovirus, coronaviruses (229E, HKU1, OC43), influenza A H1N1, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus. We did not identify Middle East respiratory coronavirus carriage. At arrival, the prevalence of several viruses was clearly dependent on the pilgrim's country of origin. After Hajj participation, these viruses were isolated among pilgrims from all countries, with few exceptions. No significant differences were observed between paired and nonpaired cohort results. Our results strongly suggest that, given the particularly crowded conditions during the rituals, an international mass gathering such as the Hajj may contribute to the globalization of respiratory pathogens after the cross-contamination of pilgrims harbouring pathogens that easily spread among participants. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, face mask use and hand hygiene should be considered in the context of the Hajj.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mass gathering and globalization of respiratory pathogens during the 2013 Hajj

Memish

Assiri

Turkestani

et al. 2015

Clinical Microbiology and Infection

121

141

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…The few studies quantifying facemask use in Hajj pilgrims show high uptake [14,22,23]. However, none of these studies investigate barriers and facilitators to facemask use.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Internationally, quantitative studies demonstrate variable uptake of recommended vaccines [13], facemasks and other preventive measures [14]. However, the reasons behind this variability remain unclear.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Australian Hajj pilgrims' infection control beliefs and practices: Insight with implications for public health approaches

Alqahtani

Sheikh

Wiley

et al. 2015

Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease

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“…[303435] Handwashing, using mask, and maintaining distance from others were considered as preventive factors; although for participants, especially the elderly, the use of masks was considered difficult in hot weather. [62] However, it is difficult to maintain social space and avoid contact with other participants in MGs, in this reason. Personal preventive activities such as mask utilization and handwashing may be suggested.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%