Abstract The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is one of the largest annual mass
gatherings in the world, and has a strong impact on international public health. This paper …

Respiratory tract infections (RTI) are the most common infections transmitted between Hajj
pilgrims. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of virus carriage …

We assess risks of communicable diseases that are associated with mass gatherings (MGs),
outline approaches to risk assessment and mitigation, and draw attention to some key …

Studies to determine the effectiveness of facemasks in preventing influenza have been
inconclusive, largely due to small sample size. The Hajj pilgrimage, where the incidence of …

Abstract Background. The Hajj is the oldest and largest annual mass gathering in the world
and may increase the risk of spread of respiratory viruses. Methods. We performed a …

The use of masks may reduce exposure to droplet nuclei, the main mode of transmission of
most respiratory tract infections. The practice of social distancing, hand hygiene, and contact …

Background The objectives of this study were to determine whether pilgrim attendance at the
Hajj was associated with an increased risk of acquiring influenza, and other respiratory …

Background. Respiratory illness continues to exert a burden on hajj pilgrims in Makkah. The
purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of respiratory illness and its associated …

Mass gatherings of people challenge public health capacities at host locations and the
visitors' places of origin. Hajj—the yearly pilgrimage by Muslims to Saudi Arabia—is one of …

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has emerged in the Arabian
Gulf region, with its epicentre in Saudi Arabia, the host of the 'Hajj'which is the world's the …