Saudi Arabia safe from contagious diseases during hajj

Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia is not facing risks of contagious diseases during the hajj, an official of Saudi health ministry said Friday. The health ministry has started an action plan at 16 seasonal health control centers for this hajj at border crossings to prevent the entry of contagious diseases, Saudi News Agency quoted the ministry's undersecretary for public health as saying. The health control centers are reminding pilgrims in various languages of the risks of contagious diseases, as well as providing medical care during their arrival and departure, the official said, adding that "the centers are equipped with medicines, vaccinations and ambulances for cases that need more medical services, while they would be operational around the clock until the end of the (hajj) season." Health control measures would be applied on all pilgrims, especially those coming from countries that have contagious diseases. Pilgrims need to present their international vaccination cards to prove that they have taken the required vaccinations.