Mass Gatherings

What do we know about staying healthy at mass gatherings.  This is very topical with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games underway.

It comes in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and hopefully we haven’t forgotten about this. The risk hasn't gone away despite the low-key messaging from governments globally.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a mass gathering is defined as a planned event where a substantial number of people (> 1,000) will turn up.  It can include a sporting event like the Olympic Games or FIFA World Cup with competitors and spectators or a religious event with participants only. The Haj in Mecca and the Kumbh Mela in India are good examples of the latter.

Saudi Arabia provides detailed information for those attending the Haj. It also covers seasonal workers.

All mass gatherings face serious health challenges. Individuals, whether they are a participant or a spectator, must be aware of any potential health risk.

• Pre-existing health conditions – am I fit to attend, and do I have enough medication should my trip be delayed by illness or accident? Do I have a letter from my attending GP or specialist? Is my travel insurance appropriate for the activities intended?
• Communicable diseases (influenza, COVID-19, STI’s, traveller's diarrhoea etc). What can I do to mitigate risk?
• Heat stroke and dehydration. How do I manage fluids in a different environment? Is my clothing suitable for the conditions?
• Water and sanitation issues. Is bottled water always available? Do I need to make my own water safe?
• Accidents including stampedes.
• Alcohol and substance abuse.
• Environmental disasters. Are there any current risks I should know about?
• Security issues. Have I checked the destination on Smartraveller? Should I register?
• Terrorism

• Many of the health issues are vaccine preventable (influenza, pneumococcal, measles, mumps, chickenpox, meningitis).
• Gastrointestinal disorders are common and can be prevented by attention to the rules of eating and drinking safely when travelling.
• Many health issues are annoying rather than serious and could easily be managed by the individual if medication was available. Taking a good medical kit is sensible.
• Personal hygiene measures such as handwashing are very effective in reducing the risk of communicable disease.
• Masks may help to reduce respiratory tract disease if used in high-risk situations.

Preparation is always the key to healthy travel.