Authorities urge returning Umrah pilgrims to take precautionary health measures
2 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 09:27The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged pilgrims returning from Umrah to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of fever or respiratory illness, following a rise in reported cases. Authorities have also advised individuals feeling unwell to avoid public gatherings and refrain from self-medicating without professional medical guidance.
A group of pilgrims who traveled to perform the Umrah pilgrimage under the care of the Maldives Hajj Corporation. | Social Media
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged pilgrims returning to the Maldives after completing the Umrah pilgrimage to take necessary health precautions.
It is common for many pilgrims to contract respiratory infections upon returning from the sacred pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah. During these periods, there is also a significant surge in the spread of fever across the Maldives.
In response to the situation, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) stated on Sunday that special attention must be given to taking precautionary measures against the common cold and viral fever.
In this regard, individuals experiencing cold or flu symptoms, such as coughing, are advised to avoid public gatherings. It is particularly recommended that children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions refrain from visiting such crowded areas.
Furthermore, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged individuals to seek immediate medical consultation if they experience symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or chest pain within 14 days of returning from Umrah.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has advised individuals to inform healthcare providers of their recent travel history if they have returned from Umrah. The agency further cautioned that self-medicating with antibiotics or other prescription drugs without a medical consultation is unsafe.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged those who are unwell to increase their fluid intake and ensure they get adequate rest. The agency also emphasized that public cooperation is vital to the ongoing efforts to control the spread of the disease.
More than 5,565 pilgrims traveled for Umrah through Velana International Airport (VIA) in July, coinciding with the first-term break of the academic year. According to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), this marks the highest number of Umrah departures recorded in a single month in recent history. Additionally, a private group facilitated direct Umrah travel from Addu City to Saudi Arabia during this period.
