Saudi Arabia Struggles to Contain Swine Flu during the Haj Celebration

The Saudi Arabian health officials are saying that the country will be on red alert for the H1N1 virus (swine flu) after four pilgrims have died from the disease. Following the four deaths, health authorities have had growing concerns that this year’s Haj season could be a potentially toxic situation breeding the virus within the country.

Dr. Khaled Marghlani, a spokesperson for the Health ministry, commented to the AFP that at least 16 other individuals have been positively identified as having the virus, and currently four are in the hospital in a critical condition. Currently, authorities are working around the clock to prevent outbreaks from spreading further, installing infrared cameras at transport terminals such as airports, ferries, and train stations. Additionally, 15,000 extra health workers have been deployed throughout the country to help contain the virus.

The government will now require all pilgrims coming for the Haj to have obtained a certificate of vaccination prior to being granted a visa to enter the kingdom. The Haj is among the five pillars of Islam, and this season accounts for a large portion of the country’s tourist economy.

The Haj season begins today, but has already been plagued with worry over the mounting turmoil with Iran and the quickly spreading swine flu numbers. At present, Iran has banned all pilgrims wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia from going during the Ramadan in order to attempt to contain swine flu from spreading further.

In any given year more than 2 million pilgrims travel to the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia to pay tribute to Mohammed and celebrate the Haj. For this year, the Saudi government has provided 20,000 health care personnel in order to try and contain the spread of illness, including the H1N1 flu strain.