Saudi Arabia Reports Five Heat Exhaustion Cases Among Pilgrims, Urges Precautions Amid Soaring Temperatures
As temperatures soared at the holy sites, Saudi Arabia confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among the more than one million pilgrims who have arrived to perform Hajj rituals.
All those affected received immediate medical attention and are currently in a stable condition, according to the ministry of health, which added that health teams were on high alert to respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom's commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims.
The country's National Center for Meteorology has forecast hot to extremely hot weather conditions at the holy sites during this year's Hajj season.
According to the center, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 40°C and 47°C, while minimum temperatures will vary between 27°C and 32°C. Humidity levels are projected to fluctuate between 15 percent and 60 percent.
In a post on its X account, the ministry urged pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and follow official health guidelines, such as using shaded walkways, wearing appropriate protective gear, and seeking help at the first signs of fatigue.
'If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke within 10-15 minutes — a life-threatening medical emergency,' the post stated.
The ministry also advised pilgrims who experience heat exhaustion symptoms to begin immediate cooling measures, such as washing their hands, faces and necks with cold water and moving to a cooler area, as well as drinking plenty of cold water to rehydrate.
In its post, the ministry identified headache, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, and severe thirst as key clinical symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Multilingual awareness campaigns have been launched, and field preparedness has been reinforced, particularly in response to seasonal heat risks.
The ministry had announced the health sector's readiness to receive pilgrims, revealing a 60 percent increase in bed capacity compared with last year.
Fahad Al-Jalajel, the minister of health, recently confirmed the deployment of over 50,000 medical and technical personnel to serve pilgrims and emphasized the stability of the health situation, with no reported outbreaks or epidemics, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
'Health efforts began early in pilgrims' homelands by analyzing international health risks and issuing clear health requirements, including vaccinations against yellow fever, meningitis, polio, COVID-19, and influenza,' SPA reported, citing Al-Jalajel.
The minister underscored the role of the health certificate as the first line of defense during the Hajj season, noting that the Kingdom's health system launched its services with the arrival of the first Makkah Route Initiative flight.
As part of the Kingdom's comprehensive preparations, 14 land, air, and sea ports have been fully equipped, delivering more than 50,000 health services so far, including 140 surgical procedures, 65 cardiac catheterizations, and six open-heart surgeries, the minister said.
To combat heatstroke risks, Al-Jalajel announced a series of measures in coordination with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. These include planting more than 10,000 trees, installing 400 additional water coolers and misting fans, and expanding shaded pedestrian pathways to protect pilgrims from extreme heat.
The ministry of health has also intensified awareness efforts through multilingual campaigns, stationing field teams, launching media programs, and organizing medical missions to ensure important health information reaches all pilgrims.
Al-Jalajel further revealed the establishment of a new 200-bed emergency hospital in Mina, developed in collaboration with Kidana Development Co.
In addition, three new field hospitals with more than 1,200 beds have been set up in partnership with the ministries of national guard, defense, and interior.
These were inaugurated 'alongside 71 emergency points, 900 ambulances, 11 evacuation aircraft, and over 7,500 paramedics,' Al-Jalajel told SPA.
The minister urged pilgrims to follow health guidelines and affirmed that the Kingdom's health system is operating at full capacity to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj season for all.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
a day ago
- Gulf Insider
Civil Defense Calls On Pilgrims To Familiarize With Emergency Exits Of Their Camps
Saudi Arabia People & Culture The General Directorate of Civil Defense has called on pilgrims to familiarize themselves with emergency exits at their accommodations at the holy sites during the Hajj 2025. The pilgrims were also instructed to follow safety rules and guidelines to protect lives and property. The directorate also urged all pilgrims to adhere to the safety guidelines and instructions announced through various media outlets and social media platforms, and to call the number 911 in the Makkah region in case of emergencies. 1 hour ago 9 hours ago 22 hours ago
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Philippines warns of health emergency as HIV cases soar
AFP | Manila, Philippines Philippine medical authorities on Tuesday warned of a looming "public health emergency" as HIV infections have soared this year, with young males especially hard-hit. On average, 57 new cases a day were tallied in the country of 117 million people over the first three months of 2025, a 50 percent jump from a year earlier, health department data shows. "We now have the highest number of new cases here in the Western Pacific," Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a video message released Tuesday. "What is frightening is, our youth make up many of the new cases," he said. "It would be in our interest to (declare) a public health emergency, a national emergency for HIV to mobilise the entire society, the whole of government to help us in this campaign to reduce the number of new HIV cases," Herbosa added. The health department said 95 percent of newly reported cases were male, with 33 percent aged 15-24 and 47 percent aged 25-34. The government did not explain the causes behind the surge, which it said had set back government attempts to hit global targets set by a United Nations campaign to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Under Philippine law, the president can declare a health emergency if an epidemic poses a threat to national security. The start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 was the last time that was done. Just 55 percent of those living with HIV in the Philippines have been diagnosed, the health department said, while only 66 percent of those diagnosed are on life-saving antiretroviral therapy. Sexual contact remains the predominant mode of transmission, with the bulk of cases since 2007 attributed to men having sex with men. HIV cases have been on the rise in the Philippines since 2021, with 252,800 people estimated to be living with HIV in the country by the end of this year.
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Hajj 2025 Goes Hi-tech: 6 Innovations Transforming The Pilgrimage
In preparation for the Hajj season of 1446 AH, Saudi authorities have rolled out a series of innovative services and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving safety, comfort, and convenience for millions of pilgrims expected to perform the annual pilgrimage. From advanced cooling technologies at the Grand Mosque to AI-powered smart tents and streamlined logistics, Saudi is combining tradition with innovation to ensure a spiritually enriching and smooth experience for all. To maintain a comfortable environment amid high summer temperatures, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has activated the world's largest cooling system, boasting a total capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tons. The system will serve the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al Haram), ensuring optimal conditions for pilgrims during the physically demanding rituals of Hajj. The cooling infrastructure is supported by two main stations: the Shamiya Station with a capacity of 120,000 tons, and the Ajyad Station with 35,000 tons. These stations regulate indoor temperatures to a pleasant range between 22°C and 24°C, aided by air purification systems that eliminate 95 per cent of airborne impurities. In a significant technological leap, stc Group has deployed Internet of Things (IoT) systems and Smart Tents to enhance safety, monitoring, and response times during Hajj. The Smart Tents are fitted with sensors and cameras that track environmental metrics such as temperature, humidity, and smoke, offering real-time insight into internal and external conditions. These systems can detect emerging issues and automatically relay alerts to relevant authorities. With access to live data, authorities can respond rapidly to medical, security, or logistical needs, ensuring both safety and efficient crowd management. To reduce the physical burden on pilgrims, Saudi Post (SPL) has introduced the 'Hajj Without Luggage' service. This initiative allows for the seamless transfer of luggage from a pilgrim's home or local SPL branch directly to their accommodation at the holy sites—or even to destinations outside Saudi Arabia. The service enhances convenience by removing the need for pilgrims to carry their belongings between sites. After Hajj, luggage can be collected from a pilgrim's residence and delivered to their registered National Address, with tracking available via the SPL app or website. To meet the high demand for transportation during the pilgrimage season, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) is operating hourly trips on the Haramain High Speed Railway between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Makkah. These fast, electric trains reach speeds up to 300 km/h, enabling rapid and efficient transit for arriving pilgrims. SAR has scheduled more than 4,700 trips for the Hajj period, marking one of the largest operations in the railway's history and significantly reducing travel time and logistical strain. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has launched a large-scale water supply project at Namirah Mosque in Arafat, aimed at reducing heat stress and ensuring easy access to drinking water. The initiative includes the deployment of 70 cooling units, each capable of producing 1,000 liters of cool water per hour. These units are integrated with a new water distribution and sewage network, ensuring hygienic and continuous operation. Collectively, they can serve up to 140,000 pilgrims per hour, making it one of the largest hydration efforts undertaken at a single Hajj site. In another digital upgrade, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has introduced a multi-language interactive map designed to help pilgrims navigate the sprawling Grand Mosque complex. The map helps locate key services such as Zamzam water stations, lost and found offices, medical facilities, cart distribution points, and centers for assisting lost individuals. It's part of a wider push to streamline access to resources and simplify rituals for pilgrims of all backgrounds.
