No dangerous communicable diseases have been reported among pilgrims in Iraq, assured Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Seyyed Ahmadian, health and medical deputy of the Law Enforcement Forces. “While no life-threatening contagious diseases have been reported, pilgrims should pay attention to personal hygiene to avoid contracting other seasonal ailments such as the flu, diarrhea, common respiratory diseases, or cholera, “ he said, ISNA reported. Nearly 1.5 million Iranian pilgrims have arrived in Iraq to attend the Arba’een mourning ceremonies in the holy city of Karbala on December 2 and the number is expected to rise by another half million before the ritual is over. The annual event marks the 40th day of Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Imam of Shia Muslims and the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Ahmadian said medical teams are stationed at the three border areas of Mehran, Shalamcheh and Chazzabeh in southwestern Iran to provide assistance in case of an emergency.
