HEALTH PRECAUTIONS FOR PILGRIMAGE SEEKERS The Ministry of Health requests citizens that have the intention of performing pilgrimage to foresee the following precautions:

1. Persons suffering from permanent diseases like diabetics, high blood pressure, heart diseases, kidney or respiratory problems should contact their physicians for a complete check up, receive enough medication to cover their stay outside the country and obtain a medical report on their condition.
   
2. To receive vaccination against meningitis for himself and members of his family, with the exception of those who have received this vaccination within the past three years provided they have proof of this, bearing in mind that the vaccination must be taken at least two weeks before departing from the country.
3. In addition, three dosages for Diphtheria and Tetanus must be taken. The first dosage to be taken with the meningitis vaccination, the second after four weeks from the first, and the third after six weeks from the second, and then a single enhancement dosage once every ten years, exempted from this are those who can show evidence of recent vaccination, otherwise, immediate action must be taken for the vaccination.
4. The vaccination against the mentioned diseases can be received from all Health Centers in the morning shift during official working days.
5. The hand tag and pilgrim health card can be obtained after completing the information on the forms through the Health Centers, then an appointment for Medical Checkup will be given in the morning shift during the official working days.
6. The Ministry of Health requests all pilgrims to read and follow all the precautions announced through the media that concern all who wish to carry out the pilgrim.
7. The Ministry of Health further requests all pilgrims to identify the address of the Medical Pilgrim Team in Madinet Al Monawara, Holy Mecca and Mina.

Brother & Sister Pilgrim While Traveling via Land

1. Avoid sitting continuously for more than two hours without movement.
2. When the vehicle stops for re-fueling or for a break, leave the vehicle and walk around even for a short while, and massage your head and neck to avoid any muscle cramps.
3. Wear sun glasses if possible to protect your eyes from sunlight and dust.

When Arriving at the Holy Land

Let your motto be as Allah the Most Gracious said:
(Allah does not ask from a soul what it cannot do..)

Carry out the required steps of haj in a moderate manner, do not exhaust yourself to reach the black stone, be aware of yourself and those around you during the circulation of Kaaba, and while sprinting between Al Safa & Al Marwa or during the throwing of the stones, to avoid any misconduct.

Always carry with you your personal identification card, your health card and never remove your wrist tag. Furthermore, no need to carry around your money while going for prayer or to the market to protect it from being lost.

Accommodation Safety

The condition of the accommodation area in the Holy Land is not like the home land, where a room or a single tent may be occupied by more than person and this is used for eating, sleeping and sitting, therefore, you should take the following precautions:

1. Do not smoke inside the room or tent whether by a cigarette or hubble bubble.
2. Open windows occasionally for refreshing up the place.
3. Ensure the place is always clean.
4. Do not use any flame-emitting unit inside the area.

Food Safety

Before having your food, ensure the following:

1. Food is hygienic, utensils are clean and your hands are clean.
2. Check the production and expiry dates on all canned foods, do not buy cans that are bulging, dented or rusted.
3. Dispose of any food that has changed color, smell or taste.

Common Diseases and Their Cure

1. Respiratory Problems:
   The presence of hot & dry air in a place full of people helps to spread diseases. Therefore, stay away from sick people as far as possible; do not use their personal belongings, drink large amounts of liquids, and do not use anti-biotic without the instruction of a physician.
2. Heat Exhaustion: This is caused if a person exerts strenuous muscle activity in hot weather. Symptoms are headaches, tiredness, exhaustion cramps in the leg muscles and feeling of thirst.

Prevention and Cure

1. Avoid as far as possible strenuous activities in the hot weather and go for buying commodities and gifts after Ishaa Prayer.
2. Use umbrellas while going out at noon for Mid-day Prayer.
3. Consume a lot of liquids.
4. If you feel any dizziness go to a cool place and drink liquids, if still there is no change, consult a physician.

We wish everyone a safe journey and an acceptable pilgrimage.