The Lancet Infectious Disease
May 2011  Volume 11  Number 5  Pages 333 – 416
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/issue/current

Comment
Jeddah declaration on mass gatherings health
Ziad A Memish, Abdullah A Alrabeeah

Planning of events attended by millions of people is a daunting undertaking, and all too often it is done on an ad-hoc basis or via general operations oversight that includes health care along with a multitude of other responsibilities. Recognition that mass gatherings need a coordinated medical infrastructure is not new. What is new and different is an improved understanding of infectious diseases that originate and then disseminate from mass gatherings. Containment of this risk is a global priority.