Latest news with #Mers
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia revamps safety plans for Hajj in bid to prevent deaths
Saudi Arabia has revamped its safety plans for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, hoping technology and tighter controls will help avoid a repeat of last year, when 1,301 people died in extreme heat. Some 1.4 million people arrived in the Kingdom to complete the sacred five-day journey around Islam's holiest sites, which began on Wednesday. The gathering of so many people in the Arabian desert presents a formidable challenge. Temperatures are again forecast to hit 50 degrees during the pilgrimage, and by Monday 44 cases of heat stroke had already been reported in Mecca. As well as the heat, there is also the threat of outbreaks of infectious diseases including Mers (Middle East respiratory syndrome), nine cases of which have been reported in the country in recent weeks. Saudi Arabia's annual Hajj preparations ranks among the most complex public health operations, but will the revamped plans be enough to prevent another disaster? With such large numbers of people coming together, Hajj can be a breeding ground for diseases including respiratory infections, meningitis and even cholera. Many worshippers come back with a 'hajj cough' contracted from fellow pilgrims. While the days of tens of thousands of pilgrims dying of cholera are long gone, there have been numerous outbreaks of meningitis in Mecca and it remains a threat this year. In 2004, polio was carried into Hajj by pilgrims from northern Nigeria. In a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19, authorities closed Hajj to foreign travellers for the first time in modern history in 2020. Only Saudis and a limited number of expats living in the Kingdom were allowed to attend. This year, the Saudi authorities also have to contend with the threat of Mers, a much deadlier cousin of Covid spread primarily by camels which appears to be spiking in Saudi Arabia at the moment. Two deaths have been reported since March, prompting numerous national health agencies to issue warnings and guidance for travellers. To keep the virus out, camels have been banned from entering Mecca and the holy sites, even for slaughter, since 2015. Pilgrims must also present vaccine certificates for quadruple meningitis, polio and yellow fever before entering the country during Hajj season. An official from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health source The Telegraph that the Kingdom is 'more than ready' to deal with a potential disease outbreak. But perhaps the most significant threat to worshippers is the searing heat. The authorities have planted 20,000 trees to create shade and cool the air, installed 400 water coolers, and thousands of misting fans at key points along the pilgrimage route, which runs from the city of Mina through a series of holy sites to Mecca. One of the world's largest cooling systems is used to keep temperatures in Mecca's Grand Mosque between 22 and 24 degrees. Roads on the pilgrimage route have been paved with reflective white material to reduce heat absorption. These so-called 'white roads' include a new four kilometre pathway leading to Mount Arafat, or the Mountain of Mercy, where pilgrims traditionally assemble on the second day of Hajj to pray and recite the Koran for hours. An official Hajj safety kit emphasises the importance of light-coloured clothing and umbrellas and has details on how to treat symptoms of dehydration and exhaustion. Saudi authorities have asked pilgrims to remain in their tents between 10am and 4pm during the 'Day of Arafat' on Thursday. There is little to no shade on the 230-ft hill on the outskirts of Mecca. 'You don't have to be outside your tent during [the climb of] Arafat. You don't have to climb the mountain,' Abdullah Asiri, Saudi's deputy minister for population health, told AFP, adding that there was no religious obligation to do so. A total of 50,000 healthcare workers have been mobilised, up 25 per cent from last year, as well as 7,500 paramedics. These health workers are spread between 71 emergency points and 15 field hospitals, each with a capacity of more than 1,200 beds. Last year, medical staff treated nearly 2,800 pilgrims for heat stroke and other related conditions, said the health ministry. They said they are expecting a higher volume of patients this year. The Saudi authorities are keen to publicise high-tech ways of keeping pilgrims safe. Drones are being deployed for the first time across the holy sites, Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence said on Sunday. One fleet of drones will be used to monitor the large crowds, using AI to monitor video for signs of an impending crush. In 2015, a stampede during the 'stoning the devil' ritual in Mina killed around 2,300 people. A new 'falcon' drone, enhanced with AI and thermal cameras, will also be used to identify and extinguish fires. In one of the most significant policy changes in recent years, Saudi Arabia has also banned children under 12, who have proved vulnerable in crowd situations, from attending this year's Hajj. Hundreds of large-scale simulations and drills have been conducted, including training on how to cope with mass casualty events, fires and hospital evacuations. To further minimise the time pilgrims spend outside, hourly high-speed electric trains will also run from the main King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Mecca. Pilgrims have also been given a smart bracelet, known as Nusk. The device monitors people's heart rate and blood oxygen levels in real time and sends automatic alerts to the authorities if abnormalities are detected. Extortionate prices – the cost of an official Hajj permit ranges from $2,000 (£1,480) to $18,000 (£13,300) excluding flights – means that many pilgrims arrive in Mecca on personal visit visas instead. But arriving without a permit means being unable to access facilities like air-conditioned tents, transportation and rehydration centres. Many of those who died during the pilgrimage last year are thought to have been unregistered attendees. Heat stress caused many of the deaths, which Human Rights Watch (HRW) called a 'completely preventable event'. In response to criticism, organisers have cracked down on unregistered worshippers. Saudi Arabia suspended issuing short-term visas to 14 countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and Nigeria in April. Pilgrims caught without official Hajj documentation now face a $5,000 fine – twice as high as last year – and a 10-year entry ban. Saudi security officials say they have already stopped nearly 270,000 people from entering Mecca without permits and stripped licences from 400 companies offering unofficial Hajj packages. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
04-06-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Saudi Arabia revamps safety plans for Hajj in bid to prevent deaths
Saudi Arabia has revamped its safety plans for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, hoping technology and tighter controls will help avoid a repeat of last year, when 1,301 people died in extreme heat. Some 1.4 million people arrived in the Kingdom to complete the sacred five-day journey around Islam's holiest sites, which began on Wednesday. The gathering of so many people in the Arabian desert presents a formidable challenge. Temperatures are again forecast to hit 50 degrees during the pilgrimage, and by Monday 44 cases of heat stroke had already been reported in Mecca. As well as the heat, there is also the threat of outbreaks of infectious diseases including Mers (Middle East respiratory syndrome), nine cases of which have been reported in the country in recent weeks. Saudi Arabia's annual Hajj preparations ranks among the most complex public health operations, but will the revamped plans be enough to prevent another disaster? Threat of disease With such large numbers of people coming together, Hajj can be a breeding ground for diseases including respiratory infections, meningitis and even cholera. Many worshippers come back with a 'hajj cough' contracted from fellow pilgrims. While the days of tens of thousands of pilgrims dying of cholera are long gone, there have been numerous outbreaks of meningitis in Mecca and it remains a threat this year. In 2004, polio was carried into Hajj by pilgrims from northern Nigeria. In a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19, authorities closed Hajj to foreign travellers for the first time in modern history in 2020. Only Saudis and a limited number of expats living in the Kingdom were allowed to attend. This year, the Saudi authorities also have to contend with the threat of Mers, a much deadlier cousin of Covid spread primarily by camels which appears to be spiking in Saudi Arabia at the moment. Two deaths have been reported since March, prompting numerous national health agencies to issue warnings and guidance for travellers. To keep the virus out, camels have been banned from entering Mecca and the holy sites, even for slaughter, since 2015. Pilgrims must also present vaccine certificates for quadruple meningitis, polio and yellow fever before entering the country during Hajj season. An official from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health source The Telegraph that the Kingdom is 'more than ready' to deal with a potential disease outbreak. Extreme heat But perhaps the most significant threat to worshippers is the searing heat. The authorities have planted 20,000 trees to create shade and cool the air, installed 400 water coolers, and thousands of misting fans at key points along the pilgrimage route, which runs from the city of Mina through a series of holy sites to Mecca. One of the world's largest cooling systems is used to keep temperatures in Mecca's Grand Mosque between 22 and 24 degrees. Roads on the pilgrimage route have been paved with reflective white material to reduce heat absorption. These so-called 'white roads' include a new four kilometre pathway leading to Mount Arafat, or the Mountain of Mercy, where pilgrims traditionally assemble on the second day of Hajj to pray and recite the Koran for hours. An official Hajj safety kit emphasises the importance of light-coloured clothing and umbrellas and has details on how to treat symptoms of dehydration and exhaustion. Saudi authorities have asked pilgrims to remain in their tents between 10am and 4pm during the 'Day of Arafat' on Thursday. There is little to no shade on the 230-ft hill on the outskirts of Mecca. 'You don't have to be outside your tent during [the climb of] Arafat. You don't have to climb the mountain,' Abdullah Asiri, Saudi's deputy minister for population health, told AFP, adding that there was no religious obligation to do so. A total of 50,000 healthcare workers have been mobilised, up 25 per cent from last year, as well as 7,500 paramedics. These health workers are spread between 71 emergency points and 15 field hospitals, each with a capacity of more than 1,200 beds. Last year, medical staff treated nearly 2,800 pilgrims for heat stroke and other related conditions, said the health ministry. They said they are expecting a higher volume of patients this year. Technology The Saudi authorities are keen to publicise high-tech ways of keeping pilgrims safe. Drones are being deployed for the first time across the holy sites, Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence said on Sunday. One fleet of drones will be used to monitor the large crowds, using AI to monitor video for signs of an impending crush. In 2015, a stampede during the 'stoning the devil' ritual in Mina killed around 2,300 people. A new 'falcon' drone, enhanced with AI and thermal cameras, will also be used to identify and extinguish fires. In one of the most significant policy changes in recent years, Saudi Arabia has also banned children under 12, who have proved vulnerable in crowd situations, from attending this year's Hajj. Hundreds of large-scale simulations and drills have been conducted, including training on how to cope with mass casualty events, fires and hospital evacuations. To further minimise the time pilgrims spend outside, hourly high-speed electric trains will also run from the main King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Mecca. Pilgrims have also been given a smart bracelet, known as Nusk. The device monitors people's heart rate and blood oxygen levels in real time and sends automatic alerts to the authorities if abnormalities are detected. Tighter controls Extortionate prices – the cost of an official Hajj permit ranges from $2,000 (£1,480) to $18,000 (£13,300) excluding flights – means that many pilgrims arrive in Mecca on personal visit visas instead. But arriving without a permit means being unable to access facilities like air-conditioned tents, transportation and rehydration centres. Many of those who died during the pilgrimage last year are thought to have been unregistered attendees. Heat stress caused many of the deaths, which Human Rights Watch (HRW) called a 'completely preventable event'. In response to criticism, organisers have cracked down on unregistered worshippers. Saudi Arabia suspended issuing short-term visas to 14 countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and Nigeria in April. Pilgrims caught without official Hajj documentation now face a $5,000 fine – twice as high as last year – and a 10-year entry ban. Saudi security officials say they have already stopped nearly 270,000 people from entering Mecca without permits and stripped licences from 400 companies offering unofficial Hajj packages.
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Business Standard
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Covid-19 cases rise in India: WHO releases new global action roadmap
As of June 4, India has recorded over 4,300 active Covid-19 cases, with nearly 300 new infections and seven deaths reported in the past 24 hours. States such as Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi are witnessing a gradual rise, prompting health authorities to step up surveillance and response measures. In response to the ongoing risk, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released two key global guidance documents: Strategic and Operational Plan for Coronavirus Disease Threat Management: 2025–2030 Implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005): Extension of the Standing Recommendations for Covid-19 These documents lay out how countries, including India, should navigate the next phase of the pandemic, prepare for future waves, and protect public health without repeating the chaos of previous years. New WHO documents on Covid-19 strategy and regulations 1. The Strategic and Operational Plan (2025–2030) This plan outlines how countries should sustainably manage coronavirus threats, including Covid-19, Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers), and potential new variants. 'This plan sets out WHO's strategic and operational framework to support Member States in the sustained, integrated, evidence-based management of coronavirus disease threats, including Covid-19, Mers, and potential novel coronavirus diseases of public health importance,' the WHO states in the document. 2. Extension of standing recommendations under international health regulations This is a set of updated global guidelines that will remain in effect until April 30, 2026, helping countries tackle Covid-19 with smarter, integrated strategies. WHO notes: 'The extension of these standing recommendations is necessary to support States Parties in addressing the risk posed by Covid-19 and to prevent or reduce the international spread of Covid-19, as well as its impact on health.' WHO's five-point Covid-19 management framework for 2025–2030 According to WHO, Covid-19 should be managed like other ongoing health threats, not as a separate emergency. The plan outlines five key areas of focus: Early surveillance and variant tracking Strong community engagement High-quality clinical care Fair access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatment Global and national coordination and cooperation WHO recommendations for India's Covid-19 response Both documents are global frameworks meant to guide all WHO Member States, including India, and should be adapted nationally based on context, needs, and public health capacities. For India, this means scaling up what worked and fixing what did not. WHO recommends that countries: Update national Covid-19 readiness and vaccine delivery systems Avoid relying on travel restrictions; instead, focus on real-time data and risk assessment Continue Covid-19 vaccinations, especially for high-risk groups Integrate Covid-19 care with general health services to avoid parallel systems Are new Covid-19 restrictions likely in India? Not necessarily. WHO is no longer recommending lockdowns or sweeping travel bans. Instead, it suggests evidence-based measures that do not disrupt daily life—such as early detection of variants, focused vaccinations, and improved public communication. WHO priorities for long Covid, new variants, and vaccine development WHO strongly emphasises the need to: Continue research on long Covid-19, particularly its effects on productivity, mental health, and quality of life Study variant evolution, transmission patterns, and vaccine performance Develop new vaccines and therapeutics that can reduce transmission and hospitalisation Why WHO wants countries to keep sharing Covid-19 data WHO urges countries to continue sharing data on: New cases, deaths, and hospitalisations Virus variants and sequencing Vaccine effectiveness and adverse events Major outbreaks or shifts in virus behaviour This global sharing helps WHO make timely assessments and prepare for future threats. India has been contributing to this effort but must scale up further. WHO's vaccine plan and recommendations for 2025–2030 Yes. WHO advises: Vaccinating all high-priority groups with WHO-recommended shots Tackling vaccine hesitancy through targeted communication Ensuring equitable access, particularly in rural and underserved areas It also recommends continued improvements in vaccine research, delivery systems, and regulatory frameworks. How individuals can contribute to India's Covid preparedness As cases rise again, WHO's roadmap is meant not just for policymakers but for the public too. If you travel frequently or spend time in crowded settings, you are at high risk of transmission. Many long Covid-19 sufferers are working-age adults grappling with fatigue, brain fog, and anxiety. You are also among the most connected online—crucial in countering misinformation. Stay informed, encourage vaccinations, and do not dismiss 'mild symptoms'—they may affect others more severely. The WHO documents are a reminder that complacency is dangerous and that preparedness must become a habit.
Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Spike in Saudi Mers cases sparks outbreak fears ahead of Hajj
A spike in Mers cases in Saudi Arabia has ignited fears of an outbreak during Hajj, the Muslim festival that sees over three million people congregate in Mecca in early June. Since March, at least nine people have been infected with the virus, a close but far more deadly cousin of Covid-19, the Saudi Arabian health ministry has said. Two have died. Six of the most recent cases were in healthcare workers, who were infected from a single symptomatic patient in a hospital in Riyadh. However, the source of infection remains unknown in two cases, sparking fears that the virus could be spreading in the wider Saudi community under the radar. Airfinity, the disease analytics firm, warned the cases 'raise the risk of outbreaks and potential international spread amidst the upcoming Hajj when millions will gather.' In several pictures of US President Donald Trump's visit to Riyadh earlier this week, waiters and other Saudi bystanders were seen wearing face masks. The Hajj – which takes place every year in the beginning of June – sees more than three million people confined to a 12-square kilometre area and is famously a breeding ground of respiratory diseases like influenza and bacterial meningitis. Since 2012, a total of 2613 laboratory-confirmed cases of Mers have been reported globally and more than 80 per cent of those occurred in Saudi Arabia. The case fatality rate is 36 per cent. Covid-19's case fatality rate, by comparison, ranges between 0.1 per cent to 5 per cent, depending on the country and time period, according to John Hopkins University. Mers is a zoonotic virus carried by camels and can be contracted via touching infected animals, consuming their meat or milk, or eating food that has been contaminated with camel faeces, urine, or spit. Human to human transmission, via respiratory droplets, is generally confined to enclosed hospital settings but there have been instances of household and community transmission. The main symptoms include a high temperature, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, diarrhoea, and being sick. Most people who die from Mers have at least one underlying medical condition like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or high blood pressure. There is currently no vaccine available to protect against Mers, although clinical trials are currently underway.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Spike in Saudi Mers cases sparks outbreak fears ahead of Hajj
A spike in Mers cases in Saudi Arabia has ignited fears of an outbreak during Hajj, the Muslim festival that sees over three million people congregate in Mecca in early June. Since March, at least nine people have been infected with the virus, a close but far more deadly cousin of Covid-19, the Saudi Arabian health ministry has said. Two have died. Six of the most recent cases were in healthcare workers, who were infected from a single symptomatic patient in a hospital in Riyadh. However, the source of infection remains unknown in two cases, sparking fears that the virus could be spreading in the wider Saudi community under the radar. Airfinity, the disease analytics firm, warned the cases 'raise the risk of outbreaks and potential international spread amidst the upcoming Hajj when millions will gather.' In several pictures of US President Donald Trump's visit to Riyadh earlier this week, waiters and other Saudi bystanders were seen wearing face masks. The Hajj – which takes place every year in the beginning of June – sees more than three million people confined to a 12-square kilometre area and is famously a breeding ground of respiratory diseases like influenza and bacterial meningitis. Since 2012, a total of 2613 laboratory-confirmed cases of Mers have been reported globally and more than 80 per cent of those occurred in Saudi Arabia. The case fatality rate is 36 per cent. Covid-19's case fatality rate, by comparison, ranges between 0.1 per cent to 5 per cent, depending on the country and time period, according to John Hopkins University. Mers is a zoonotic virus carried by camels and can be contracted via touching infected animals, consuming their meat or milk, or eating food that has been contaminated with camel faeces, urine, or spit. Human to human transmission, via respiratory droplets, is generally confined to enclosed hospital settings but there have been instances of household and community transmission. The main symptoms include a high temperature, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, diarrhoea, and being sick. Most people who die from Mers have at least one underlying medical condition like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or high blood pressure. There is currently no vaccine available to protect against Mers, although clinical trials are currently underway. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
