Pneumonia hits 99 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, 1 dies
Ninety-nine Indonesian hajj pilgrims have been infected with pneumonia in Saudi Arabia, including one patient who has died, said the Indonesian Ministry of Health on Thursday. “The rise in pneumonia cases among our hajj pilgrims needs careful attention because it can get worse if not treated fast and correctly,” said Liliek Marhaendro Susilo, head of […]
FILE PHOTO: Muslim pilgrims gather around the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine, as they perform Eid Al-Adha morning prayers in Mecca, on June 28, 2023. (Photo by Abdulghani BASHEER / AFP)
Ninety-nine Indonesian hajj pilgrims have been infected with pneumonia in Saudi Arabia, including one patient who has died, said the Indonesian Ministry of Health on Thursday.
“The rise in pneumonia cases among our hajj pilgrims needs careful attention because it can get worse if not treated fast and correctly,” said Liliek Marhaendro Susilo, head of the Hajj Health Center at the ministry.
The infected pilgrims are currently receiving intensive care at hospitals in Makkah and Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Liliek said the main risk factors for pneumonia among hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia are extreme heat up to 47 degrees Celsius, tiredness from a busy schedule, crowded masses, and existing health problems or comorbidities.
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She asked pilgrims to stay careful by wearing masks, washing their hands, drinking enough water, and taking their medicines regularly if they have health issues.
She also reminded pilgrims to keep their energy, avoid smoking, and quickly report any sickness to help make the hajj safe and smooth.
Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said 25,075 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been transported to Makkah from Madina with their Nusuk cards.
Alhaji Abdulkadri Oloyin, the Coordinator, Madina NAHCON Office, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Madina on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made it mandatory for pilgrims from all countries participating in the 2025 hajj to have Nusuk cards displaying their details.
The ministry explained that the card was for easy identification of genuine pilgrims as well as for gaining access to the holy sites in Makkah. (Xinhua/NAN)