Ministry Of Health Reminds Hajj Pilgrims To Beware Of Hot Weather In Medina

Illustration - Hajj health workers spray water on pilgrims who have just arrived in Medina, Saudi Arabia, Saturday (4/6/2022) to avoid dehydration due to hot weather. BETWEEN/HO-MCH2022

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health appealed to pilgrims from Indonesia to be aware of the hot temperature in Medina which could cause health problems so as to hinder pilgrims from carrying out worship.

"Congregants must be aware of the hot weather in Medina. The heat in Medina will feel pungent but the body will not sweat. This can cause health problems that can hinder pilgrims from carrying out worship," said the Head of Health for PPIH Saudi Arabia, dr. M. Imran, as reported by ANTARA, Monday, May 29.

He said Medina began entering the summer in late May.

Temperatures during the day can reach 40 degrees Celsius or more but the humidity is lower than the country, resulting in strong heat but the body does not sweat. Sweating mechanism is a mechanism to stabilize body temperature.

He said there were five diseases that often arise due to the hot weather of Medina and experienced by pilgrims, first, upper respiratory tract infections (ispa).

"The symptoms that often appear are coughs. Medina's dry air can cause the layers in our mouths and noses to dry out and trigger coughs," he explained.

Second, is quite serious dehydration. Medina's low humidity often makes pilgrims not feel thirsty when doing outdoor activities, a symptom of dehydration is dizziness.

M. Imran suggested that pilgrims have to drink 250 ml of water every hour in stages, such as one drink or two or three water slowly. Drinking habits like this can prevent dehydration.

Third, heat exhaustion or fatigue due to heat. Symptoms that often arise from this condition are dizziness, muscle cramps, and cold sweat until they pass out.

"In Medina, the pilgrims will perform the arbain prayer. In one day, the congregation will repeat itself to the Prophet's mosque to perform mandatory prayers. The congregation is at risk of fatigue and exposure to hot sunlight, especially during Dzuhur and Ashar," said Dr. Imran.

To prevent the occurrence of heat exhaustion, pilgrims are advised to use umbrellas, carry water spraying bottles to cool the body and wear masks, especially when doing activities outside the hotel.

Fourth, heat stroke which is the next level of Heat exhaustion. Heat stroke is organ disorders, both the brain, heart, and kidney due to temperature, which makes a person experience conditions such as a stroke patient.

"If you find the pilgrims fainting due to heavy stroke, the congregation must be taken to a shady place and wet their bodies with cold water," said dr. Imran

Fifth is limping feet. The pilgrims are advised to bring bags for sandals when they are about to pray at the Prophet's Mosque.

"Congregants with limp can be treated at KKHI for approximately 10 days so they are left behind in a series of worship. Not to mention if patients have comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus which causes healing to reach two weeks," he said.

By taking sufficient precautions, Dr. Imran hopes that the pilgrims can avoid health problems due to hot temperatures and worship smoothly.