Cross‐sectional survey and surveillance for influenza viruses and <scp>MERS</scp>‐CoV among Egyptian pilgrims returning from Hajj during 2012‐2015

Abstract

High prevalence of reported ILI during pilgrimage and confirmed influenza virus on return from pilgrimage suggest a continued need for influenza prevention strategies for Egyptian Hajj pilgrims. An evaluation of the Ministry of Health and Population's current risk communication campaigns to increase influenza vaccine use among pilgrims may help identify strategies to improve vaccine coverage.