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A review of infectious diseases transmitted in pilgrimage gatherings
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Zeinab Mohseni Afshar    , Fatemeh Rajati , Soheil Ebrahimpour , Abbas Nikzad , Mohammad Hadi Yadollahpour , Masoud Asadi , Zeinab Aryanian , Saeed Abrotan , Mohammad Barary , Arefeh Babazadeh * |
| Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran , drbabazadeh.a@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (938 Views) |
Background and aim: Pilgrimage gatherings, such as Arbaeen's foot-pilgrimage to visit the holy shrine of Imam Hussain, is one of the most recommended religious practices. Every year a large number of Shiites and those who miss him, both young and old, men and women, walk towards Karbala. They travel to visit the Holy Shrine on the day of Arbaeen. This pilgrimage, which involves a long and difficult journey, carries significant health risks due to factors such as high temperature, long distance and uncertainty about the safety of food and water.
Materials and methods: The present review article was conducted to summarize the existing knowledge about infectious diseases associated with pilgrimage gatherings. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using relevant keywords. Original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and authoritative guidelines in English and Persian up to July 2024 were included in the study. Two researchers independently screened and evaluated the articles, and disagreements were resolved with the consultation of a third researcher.
Findings: Notable infections discussed in this article include hepatitis A and E, food poisoning, traveler's diarrhea, cholera, influenza, and COVID-19. In this article, the importance of preventive measures such as hygiene, vaccination and health education to reduce the risk of infection is emphasized. By increasing health literacy among pilgrims and implementing appropriate health protocols, this holy journey will be safer and its spiritual benefits for the pilgrims will be increased.
Conclusion: This article promotes a safer pilgrimage experience, and also emphasizes the need for more research and the development of health strategies suited to the unique conditions of pilgrimage gatherings. |
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| Keywords: Arbaeen, Infection, Infectious diseases, Infections transmitted by water and food, Pilgrimage gatherings |
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Full-Text [PDF 816 kb]
(204 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review Article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/06/14 | Accepted: 2024/11/13 | Published: 2024/11/30
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