Saudi Arabia: WHO warns of potential cholera outbreak during Hajj (September)

Event

On Friday, July 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that there is an increased risk of disease outbreaks in Saudi Arabia during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in September. According to the WHO, there is a particular risk of the current cholera epidemic in Yemen being spread to Saudi Arabia. However, the WHO did acknowledge that Saudi officials have established vigorous surveillance and rapid tests to detect diseases, which should serve to limit the risk.

Context

The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that brings approximately 2 million Muslims from all over the world to Saudi Arabia each year. This year the Hajj will take place between August 30 and September 4.

As of Monday, July 10, the cholera outbreak in Yemen had surpassed 300,000 suspected cases since the beginning of the outbreak in late April, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The epidemic has spread to 21 of the country's 23 governorates and 83 percent of the districts. The most severely impacted areas have been in the west of the country, a contested region ensnared in a two-year war between a Saudi-led coalition and armed Houthi rebels.

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria that can induce acute diarrhea. The risk of death is greatest among people with compromised immune systems, such as malnourished children or those living with HIV. However, even among healthy adults, cholera can be fatal within a matter of hours.

Advice

To reduce the risk of contracting cholera, wash hands regularly, drink only bottled or purified water, and avoid eating raw or undercooked foods. Seek immediate medical care if you believe you may have contracted the disease.

More generally, given the prevailing terrorist risk in Saudi Arabia, those present in the country are advised to exercise caution at all times, avoid public places lacking adequate security measures or locations deemed particularly likely to be targeted in the event of an attack (e.g. official buildings, military zones, etc.), and report all suspicious objects or behavior to authorities.