Riyadh Study Shows Decrease in Heatstroke Cases During Hajj
Riyadh: A recent study conducted under the leadership of the Research and Innovation Center at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) has revealed a significant decrease in heatstroke cases during the Hajj season in Makkah, despite rising temperatures in the region.
Preventive Measures Lead to Decrease in Health Risks
The study found that heatstroke cases witnessed a decrease by 74.6 percent and the death rate down by 47.6 percent, attributing this reduction in health risks to preventive measures undertaken by the Saudi government during Hajj seasons, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Effectiveness of Preventive Measures Confirmed
Published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, the study aimed to examine the relationship between increasing ambient temperatures during the Hajj season and the rates of infection with health risks associated with it over the past 40 years. It confirmed the effectiveness of preventive measures by analyzing records of four decades of meteorological data, rates of sunstroke, and heat exhaustion during the Hajj season in Makkah.
Measures to Mitigate Health Risks
To mitigate heat-related health risks for pilgrims, measures such as the use of mist fans, water mist columns, distribution of umbrellas, and increasing air-conditioned means of transportation were implemented. Awareness campaigns about heat-related illnesses, access to free healthcare services during Hajj, and improved case monitoring and management were also part of the strategy.
Long-Term Strategies Implemented
Long-term measures included integrating environmental engineering and building design strategies to improve natural ventilation, reduce global warming, increase shaded spaces, and reduce crowding in the holy sites, aiming to provide a more comfortable environment for pilgrims.
Scientific Value of the Study
The study holds enormous scientific value for planning and improving responses to increasing temperature rise globally, especially in high-temperature desert environments like the one experienced during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah.
KFSHRC Recognized for Excellence
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa for the second consecutive year, 20th globally among the top 250 academic healthcare institutions, and the most valuable health brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East. It has also been recognized among the best 250 hospitals in the world by Newsweek magazine.