Pneumonia Surge In The Holy Land: Ministry Of Health Records 99 Infected Hajj Pilgrims

JAKARTA - Diseases of respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, are spreading among Indonesian pilgrims. The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) noted that as many as 99 Indonesian Hajj candidates were infected with this disease while carrying out the pilgrimage in the holy land.

One congregation was even reported to have died due to the acute respiratory tract infection.

"This is a condition that must be watched out for, because it can develop more seriously, if it is not handled quickly and appropriately," said Head of the Haji Liliek Health Center Marhaendro Susilo in a statement received in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Thursday, May 22.

According to data compiled by the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic (KKHI) in the Makkah and Medina Working Areas until May 20, 2025 at 16.00 Saudi Arabia (WAS) time. Congregants infected with pneumonia are spread across various sectors and flying groups (kloters).

Hajj candidates are currently undergoing intensive treatment at referral hospitals in Makkah and Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

"In a crowded hajj environment and with extreme hot temperatures, the risk of respiratory infection transmission has indeed become higher," added Liliek.

Pneumonia is inflammation of the air bag in the lungs (alveoli), which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. This disease is very dangerous for congregants who have comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.

The air temperature in Makkah and Medina, according to real-time data from KKHI, could reach 4147 degrees Celsius. This condition is very susceptible to dehydration if the congregation lacks liquid intake, thus reducing the immune system and being more susceptible to infection.

Physical fatigue, said Liliek, is generally triggered by a series of dense hajj services, from the length of the trip, mandatory Umrah to the peak in Armuzna.

"All of this requires strong physical stamina, so fatigue can reduce the immune system," he said.

Liliek emphasized that all pilgrims should remain disciplined in maintaining their health, especially given the high risk of transmission amid the density of millions of people who worship Hajj.

We remind the congregation to always wear masks, especially if they are coughing or cold and while in the crowd. Wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer, and drink water little by little up to 2 liters per day. Congregants with comorbid must also be disciplined to take medicine, "said Liliek regarding the spread of pneumonia among Indonesian Hajj candidates.