The health experts from Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) a National Hajj specific organisation in the UK has issued a last minute warning to prospective British Hajj pilgrims that they must safeguard their health against the risk of communicable diseases due to over crowding at ceremonies, accommodation sites and public transports during Hajj pilgrimage.

The communicable diseases can be transmitted through direct person-to-person contact with droplets of nasal or throat secretions of infected individuals. Close and prolonged contact (e.g. sneezing and coughing on someone, etc.) facilitates the spread of infection.

The Health experts also reminded the prospective British Hajj pilgrims that they must take meningitis threat seriously. Over 20 British Hajj returnees have lost their lives due to the meningitis outbreak in the recent past. The most common symptoms specifically for meningitis are stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches and vomiting. Therefore, it is vital that all prospective pilgrims must get 'quadrivalent meningococcal' vaccine (ACWY) before leaving for Saudi Arabia. A valid certificate of meningitis vaccine from the doctor is required by the Saudi authorities.

The health experts specifically reminded the pilgrims with diabetes about the high risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) due to the extremely excessive physical activities being undertaken amongst a large crowded environment. Therefore it is crucial that diabetic people must visit their doctor for a pre-travel consultation and medical examination to make sure that their diabetes is well controlled. They need to protect themselves from the sun, dehydration, exhaustion, foot problems, respiratory and bronchial illness. Travellers on medication should take an adequate supply of medicines with them, accompanied by their doctor’s note describing the medicine and their medical history.

Some barbers around the Holy places pose a risk of spreading diseases, such as Hepatitis and other blood borne pathogens by using the same razors repeatedly. The health experts also warned pilgrims to be aware of the risk of using the services provided by these barbers and they must insist that the barbers use disposable razors to shave.

"Protect yourself and your family; don't ruin your journey with illnesses. Make the most out of this life time experience," said the Health experts from Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK.