Health Protection Agency (HPA) has today issued an advisory asking the public to take disease prevention measures as Hajj pilgrims return to the country.
This year, a total of 1,019 Maldivian pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. They are due to return between tomorrow and Tuesday next week.
In a post on social media, HPA shared measures that can be taken to prevent the spread of diseases that are often seen on the return of pilgrims from Hajj and Umrah.
This includes:
- Covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Safe disposal of used tissues
- Frequently washing hands with soap
- Avoiding crowds, especially places where children, elderly and persons with chronic diseases gather, if you have a cough or cold
- Avoid carrying or being near children if you have a cough or cold
- Consult a doctor without delay if fever, cough, respiratory issues or chest pain is noticed within 14 days of return from the pilgrimage
Steps to take at home in case of fever or cold
- Increase intake of liquids
- Get sufficient rest
- Cold compresses to bring down fever
- Avoid taking any medication besides paracetamol for fever without a doctor's advice
