CAIRO: Arab countries have stepped up efforts to combat swine flu ahead of Haj, fearing the annual pilgrimage to Makkah could provoke outbreaks.
Some two million foreigners and possibly as many Saudis are expected to converge on Makkah and Madinah for Haj, which takes place in the middle of the northern hemisphere’s winter flu season in November.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday four new deaths from swine flu, taking to seven the number of fatalities recorded in one week and to at least 35 the total for the Kingdom.
The four included three Saudis and one foreigner, who were not identified. On Tuesday, three deaths were reported from the A(H1N1) virus, all Saudis and including two youths in the same family.
More than 4,000 people have been infected with swine flu since it first appeared in the country in early June.
Haj and Umrah are both conducive to the spread of the virus, as hundreds of thousands of worshippers from all over the world gather in close proximity in holy sites.
In July, Arab health ministers recommended banning those over 65 and under 12 from traveling. They also urged pregnant women and those suffering from chronic illnesses to refrain from making the trip, a recommendation that was supported by the majority of Arab governments. Saudi authorities are calling on Haj pilgrims to get normal flu shots and, if vaccines are available in time, specific swine flu inoculations as well. Egypt, the Arab world’s most populous country with 80 million inhabitants, recently reinforced its swine flu testing measures at airports as thousands headed home after the Ramadan Umrah.
The number of Egyptians expected to perform Haj will drop 30 to 40 percent this year due to the travel restrictions, an official told AFP, and stricter measures may yet be introduced.
“A decision could be taken at any time to cancel Haj this year,” Egyptian Health Minister Hatem Al-Gabali said recently.
Egypt has taken several measures to curb swine flu including shutting down schools and universities until Oct. 3 in order to contain the risk of contamination.
Over 900 cases of swine flu have been reported in the country, with two swine flu related deaths reported so far.
Tunisia, which had already suspended Umrah, has urged its worshippers to put off Haj for a year.
In Morocco, there has been no talk of calling off Haj, but the Ministry of Health said only those vaccinated would be able to travel to Saudi Arabia.
In the Gulf countries and in Yemen, authorities have urged worshippers to get shots as soon as they are made available.
Iraq in August imposed restrictions on who may go on Haj after banning everyone from performing Umrah during Ramadan. Iran also banned pilgrims from traveling to Makkah during Ramadan.
In Jordan, authorities issued a religious edict urging Muslims to avoid kissing each other.
