Mass Gatherings 101: How to Protect Yourself from Key Health Risks?

Mass gatherings are organized for various religious, social, political, cultural, and sporting reasons. Although these gatherings often offer opportunities for shared experiences and social interaction, they also present a range of health risks for participants. These risks can arise from various factors, including individual factors (such as age or health conditions) and environmental factors (such as adverse weather conditions or inadequate event organization and management). From the spread of infectious diseases to injuries caused by crowding, mass gatherings can pose numerous challenges to physical and mental health (Tavan et al., 2019). While there is potential for increased risks, such as infections, exhaustion, and exposure to adverse weather conditions, only a small number of individuals are affected by these issues. For the majority of participants, mass gatherings may contribute to improved health, providing an opportunity to enhance public health (Hopkins & Reicher, 2016). In this article, we discuss some of the key health risks associated with mass gatherings and offer advice on how to protect yourself.

What is a Mass Gathering?

A mass gathering is a planned or spontaneous event where the number of people attending may strain the resources of the hosting community or country. Examples of mass gatherings include the Olympic Games, Hajj, and other major sporting, religious, and cultural events. Although mass gatherings may overwhelm health systems, they also provide an opportunity for long-term positive changes, such as strengthening public health systems after the event and better informing the public about disease prevention measures (WHO, 2019).

Health Risks at Mass Gatherings

1. Infectious Diseases and Infections

Participants at mass gatherings are at risk of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal infections, which could further threaten global health security. The high concentration of people facilitates disease transmission, which can spread internationally. Additionally, travelers who bring infections into the host country may spread them among other participants, creating a further transmission source, as occurred in Brazil in 2015, just before the Olympic Games with the Zika virus (Gaines & Angelo, 2025).

Recommendation: Regular handwashing, wearing masks when necessary, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are advised. In crowded situations, consider using protective masks and hand sanitizers (Hilton, 2023). Seek medical attention if any signs of infection arise.

2. Non-communicable diseases

Mass gatherings may be associated with various non-communicable diseases and injuries, including those caused by extreme temperatures, alcohol consumption, drug use, or exposure to toxins. There are also allergic reactions, worsening of existing medical conditions such as diabetes or asthma, as well as potential risks from the deliberate use of chemical agents or radioactive materials (Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, n.d.).

Recommendation: If you plan to attend a large gathering, check your health beforehand. Individuals with pre-existing health problems, such as heart disease or respiratory issues, should consult with a doctor. If you notice symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue, seek help immediately.

3. Injuries and Accidents

Crowds and stampedes can lead to physical injuries. People can get hurt due to pushing, falls, or accidents that happen in chaotic situations. Injuries (cuts, scrapes, bruises, sprains, fractures) are common medical issues at mass gatherings. In rare cases, mass gatherings can lead to major accidents with fatalities. For example, during the 2006 Hajj in Mecca, a stampede caused 346 deaths and at least 289 injuries, while an explosion at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta killed one person and injured 111 others (Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, n.d.). Furthermore, large gatherings increase the risk of suffocation or loss of consciousness due to potentially poor access to emergency medical assistance (Tavan et al., 2019).

Recommendation: When attending mass gatherings, it is important to plan your movement and whereabouts during the event. Avoid crowds and always follow the organizer’s safety instructions. Remember the locations of exits, first aid stations, and other safety points, as they may be crucial in case of an emergency. In case of an accident or panic, stay calm and quickly move towards exits or safe places. If you find yourself in a crowd, try to walk in rhythm with others and watch out for obstacles like litter. If you fall, get up quickly or seek help. In case of a stampede, it is important not to panic and to keep moving towards safe areas. If someone around you is injured, immediately inform emergency services (Sreenivas, 2024).

4. Dehydration and Exhaustion

Dehydration is a common risk at mass gatherings, especially outdoors or during physical activity (Hilton, 2023). Prolonged exposure to the sun, crowds, and physical exertion can lead to dehydration or heatstroke. High temperatures and physical exhaustion, especially during summer months, increase the risk of heart problems, low blood pressure, and other serious health conditions (Tavan et al., 2019).

Recommendation: Carry a water bottle, consume alcohol in moderation, and drink electrolyte solutions. It is also important to drink water regularly and take breaks in shaded areas (Hilton, 2023). If the event is outdoors, use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear lightweight clothing with UV protection, and a hat. Those with health conditions such as cardiovascular disease should consult a doctor before attending such events.

5. Mental Health

Stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges can be triggered by mass gatherings, especially if an individual is prone to claustrophobia or panic attacks. Large crowds can create a sense of losing control, which can affect a person’s psychological state (Tavan et al., 2019).

Recommendation: Participants should be informed in advance about the event, its schedule, layout, and potential challenges. Familiarity with the environment can reduce stress caused by uncertainty. Social or psychological support, along with relaxation techniques, can help alleviate stress and other difficulties.

Conclusion

Mass gatherings can be an opportunity for unforgettable experiences but also carry the risk of numerous health problems. By taking precautions such as maintaining personal hygiene, staying hydrated, protecting yourself from the sun, and carefully monitoring the situation at the event, you can significantly reduce these risks. Always remember to prioritize your health and well-being, so you can safely enjoy shared moments with others. After the mass gathering, it is important to rest, eat nutritious foods, and monitor any symptoms that may indicate health problems. Follow up on your health in the coming days and seek medical attention if symptoms persist (Hilton, 2023).

*This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.

Reference

• Gaines, J., & Angelo, K. (2025, January 31). Mass gatherings. In CDC Yellow Book 2024: Travel for work & other reasons. National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/work-and-other-reasons/mass-gatherings
• Hilton, M. (November 30, 2023). Mass gathering medicine 101: Staying healthy in crowded spaces. Retrieved from https://drmichaelhilton.net/mass-gathering-medicine/mass-gathering-medicine-101-staying-healthy-in-crowded-spaces/
• Hopkins, N., & Reicher, S. (2016). The psychology of health and well-being in mass gatherings: A review and a research agenda. Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health, 6(2), 49-57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jegh.2015.06.001
• Northwest Center for Public Health Practice. (n.d.). Mass gatherings: Are you prepared? University of Washington. https://www.nwcphp.org/docs/mass_gatherings/mass_gathering_print_version.pdf
• Sneddon, R. (2024, June 10). A crowd of people taking pictures with their cell phones [Photograph]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/a-crowd-of-people-taking-pictures-with-their-cell-phones-c-uhtlCHvfs
• Sreenivas, S. (2024, November 20). Stampede: What to know. WebMD. Medically reviewed by J. Robinson, MD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/stampede-what-to-know
• Tavan, A., Tafti, A. D., Nekoie-Moghadam, M., Ehrampoush, M., Vafaei Nasab, M. R., Tavangar, H., & Fallahzadeh, H. (2019). Risks threatening the health of people participating in mass gatherings: A systematic review. Journal of education and health promotion, 8, 209. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_214_19
• World Health Organization [WHO]. (2019). Emergencies: WHO's role in mass gatherings. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/what-is-who-s-role-in-mass-gatherings