In light of the current outbreak of MERS-CoV, the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued health regulations for individuals conducting pilgrimages to the city of Mecca for Hajj and Umrah this fall.
Elderly people, pregnant women, children and those with chronic diseases such as heart, kidney and respiratory diseases, as well as patients with congenital and acquired immune deficiency, are being encouraged not to participate in the pilgrimages.
Â
Public health officials in Saudi Arabia are asking individuals who do make a pilgrimage to be mindful of infection control practices such as handwashing and hand antisepsis, performing respiratory etiquette, limiting direct contact with infectious people and avoiding sharing their personal items, wearing face masks in overcrowded places, and maintaining hygiene in general. The regulations also include obtaining a valid certificate of vaccination against meningitis at least 10 days before traveling to Saudi Arabia, and up to three years, as well as getting a certificate of vaccination against polio.
Â
Source: Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
2 Commerce Drive
Cranbury, NJ 08512