Pneumonia Soared After Puncak Hajj, PPIH Saudi Arabia: Triggered By Fatigue

Elderly Hajj participants who are receiving medical treatment by the Indonesian Hajj Health Office (KKHI) of Saudi Arabia. (ANTARA/HO-Kemenkes)

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia's Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) said cases of pneumonia that befell a number of Indonesian pilgrims increased after the peak of Hajj in Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina (Armuzna).

"Furthermore, this condition was triggered by fatigue, especially the peak phase of the pilgrimage in Armuzna. Therefore, cases of post-Armuzna pneumonia have increased dramatically," said Head of the Health Division of PPIH Saudi Arabia, Imran in a written statement, Friday, July 14, quoted by Antara.

Imran said pneumonia is an pneumonia that can attack anyone, especially those with low immune system. Therefore, elderly pilgrims who have low immune system and who have comorbidities are vulnerable to pneumonia.

Data as of July 12, 2023, shows that 170 people are still being treated for sick hajj pilgrims at the Makkah Indonesian Hajj Health Office (KKHI) and 167 people at the Saudi Arabian Hospital (RSAS), the majority suffering from pneumonia.

Imran explained that pneumonia cases began with symptoms of cough and runny nose. Typical symptoms in pneumonia cases are fever and shortness of breath.

"In the elderly, these typical symptoms often do not appear. Some of the elderly patients we receive with pneumonia have complaints of cough, runny nose, accompanied by loss of appetite," said Imran.

The inspecificity of the symptoms that arise for the elderly, he said, needs to be used as vigilance for health workers and the surrounding environment.

If not treated immediately, pilgrims with pneumonia can develop their infection in the direction of sepsis. This condition, if not treated immediately, can cause death.

Pneumonia transmission comes from droplets, namely fluid splashes when coughing or sneezing. Therefore, Imran encourages pilgrims to apply health protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands with soap, using hand sanitizers, not making physical contact such as shaking hands and hugging.

"For those who suffer from coughs and runny noses, they should always wear masks and apply coughing ethics. The cough ethics in question is covering the mouth with the upper arm, not with palms," he said.

Regarding handling, Imran said that the health sector has supplied medicines in groups such as antibiotics and at sector health posts filled with injection antibiotics and oxygen to anticipate a decrease in oxygen saturation in the blood.

"In KKHI, more advanced medicines, antibiotics have also been prepared, as well as referral mechanisms to RSAS if it worsens," he concluded.