Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026
Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage
Published on: February 15, 2013
Prevention of pneumococcal infections during mass gathering
Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq1,2, Ziad A Memish3
1a Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare ; Dhahran , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
The interest in mass gathering and its implications has been increasing due to globalization and international travel. The potential occurrence of infectious disease outbreaks during mass gathering is most feared. In this context, respiratory tract infections are of great concern due to crowding in a limited space which facilitates and magnifies the potential of disease spread among attendees. Pneumococcal disease is best described among pilgrims to Makkah and vaccination is one of the methods for the prevention of this disease. Pneumonia was described in a mass gathering with a prevalence of 4.8/100,000 pilgrims and contributes to 15-39% of hospitalizations. Various studies showed that 7-37% of pilgrims are 65 y of age or older. The uptake of pneumococcal vaccine among pilgrims is low at 5%. There is no available data to make strong recommendations for S. pneumoniae vaccination of all pilgrims, it is important that a high risk population receive the indicated vaccination. We reviewed the available literature on the burden of pneumococcal infections during mass gathering and evaluate the available literature on pneumococcal vaccinations for attendees of mass gathering.
Insights
Mass gatherings can increase infectious disease spread, particularly respiratory infections like pneumococcal disease. Vaccination is crucial for high-risk groups attending such events, despite low current uptake.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mass gatherings, driven by globalization, pose risks for infectious disease outbreaks.
- Respiratory tract infections, such as pneumococcal disease, are a significant concern due to close proximity.
- Pilgrimages, like the Hajj, represent large-scale mass gatherings with documented pneumococcal disease burdens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the burden of pneumococcal infections in mass gathering attendees.
- To evaluate the efficacy and recommendations for pneumococcal vaccinations in this population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on pneumococcal infections during mass gatherings.
- Analysis of existing data on pneumococcal disease prevalence and vaccination rates among pilgrims.
- Assessment of risk factors and vaccination recommendations for attendees.
Main Results:
- Pneumococcal disease prevalence was reported at 4.8/100,000 pilgrims, contributing to 15-39% of hospitalizations.
- A significant portion (7-37%) of pilgrims are aged 65 or older, a high-risk group.
- Pneumococcal vaccine uptake among pilgrims is notably low (5%).
Conclusions:
- While data for universal vaccination recommendations is limited, high-risk populations attending mass gatherings should receive indicated pneumococcal vaccinations.
- Targeted vaccination strategies are essential to mitigate pneumococcal disease risks in vulnerable attendees.
- Further research is needed to establish comprehensive vaccination guidelines for mass gathering participants.
More Related Videos
11:32Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
09:20Investigating the Effects of Probiotics on Pneumococcal Colonization Using an In Vitro Adherence Assay
Published on: April 28, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment