Infection Control Practices by Nurses during Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Hajj and Umrah are among the largest mass gatherings globally, attracting millions of pilgrims annually to Saudi Arabia. These events pose significant public health challenges, primarily due to the heightened risk of infectious disease transmission resulting from overcrowding and close contact among individuals from diverse global regions. This literature review explores the critical role of nurses in infection control during these pilgrimages, focusing on key areas such as health education, implementation of standard precautions, outbreak management, surveillance, and vaccination campaigns. The findings highlight that while nurses demonstrate a substantial impact on reducing infection risks through proactive measures, gaps persist in knowledge, adherence to practices, and access to resources. Targeted training programs, continuous professional development, and improved infrastructure are essential to enhancing their effectiveness. By addressing these areas, the study underscores the need for a robust, evidence-based approach to infection prevention during Hajj and Umrah, contributing to better health outcomes for pilgrims and supporting global public health security.