The association between pre-morbid conditions and respiratory tract manifestations amongst Malaysian Hajj pilgrims.
In a very closed and overcrowding environment, influenza transmission during Hajj season is almost inevitable. The aim of this study was to determine the association between pre-morbid conditions and influenza-like illness (ILI) amongst Hajj pilgrims. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst Malaysian Hajj pilgrims in year 2007. Survey forms were distributed at Madinatul-Hujjaj, Jeddah and Tabung Haji Clinic, Medina, Saudi Arabia where pilgrims stay on transit before returning to Malaysia. Allergic rhinitis was significantly associated with sore throat (p=0.047), longer duration of cough (p=0.017) and runny nose (p=0.016). Pilgrims who suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) had significant association with longer duration of cough (p=0.041) and those with diabetes mellitus had significant association with longer duration of sore throat (p=0.048). Underlying asthma was significantly associated with severe influenza like illness requiring admission to hospital for further treatment of respiratory symptoms (p=0.016). Based on these findings, we suggest those with underlying asthma should be discouraged from participating in the hajj and they should seek early treatment if they develop respiratory symptoms.
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, and Infection Control and Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. zakuan@kb.usm.my
Zakuan Zainy
ZZ
Deris
Habsah
H
Hasan
Mohd Suhaimi
MS
Ab Wahab
Siti Amrah
SA
Sulaiman
Nyi Nyi
NN
Naing
Nor Hayati
NH
Othman
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D007514:Islam; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D014195:Travel