Following the conclusion of one of the world's largest annual religious events, authorities reported that 4,082 pilgrims required hospitalization and medical attention. Common health issues included heat exhaustion and sunstroke. Some pilgrims underwent open-heart surgeries, cardiac catheterisations, and kidney dialysis. The Ministry of Health performed 24 open-heart surgeries, 249 cardiac catheterisations, and 1,006 kidney dialysis procedures. Specialized clinics, pharmacies, intensive care units, and isolation units were also made available for the pilgrims. During the event, officials from various countries confirmed at least 22 deaths, many attributed to 'extreme heat'. Last year's Haj saw at least 240 fatalities, with no specific causes provided. Temperatures hit 51.8℃ on June 17 at Mecca's Grand Mosque, leading to 2,764 cases of heat exhaustion and sunstroke in a single day. Last year, over 2,000 pilgrims experienced heat stress as temperatures reached 48℃, resulting in more than 10,000 heat-related illnesses, with 10 percent being heat stroke.
Text: Lara Palmer
18.06.2024
Thousands Hospitalized and Dozens Die Amidst Record Temperatures During Religious Event