Swine flu deaths at Hajj - putting a stop to the rumors

November 23, 8:00 PMLong Island International Travel ExaminerNance Carter

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Swine Flu (also known as H1N1 Virus) vaccine

(AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Four people infected with the H1N1 virus have died while on this year's pilgrimage, which officially begins November 25. The Health Ministry has advised all victims had an underlying health problem and three were elderly. The dead were identified as Indian and Sudanese males, a Moroccan woman (all three 75 years old), and a 17 year old girl from Nigeria. They had not been vaccinated for the swine flu before their arrival. The Indian man succumbed in Medina, while the other three died in Mecca.

As many as 10 deaths have been reported in various news stories but the Health Ministry has confirmed that is not true, and there have only been four deaths. Currently there are 70 confirmed cases of H1N1 and it was reported all are recovering. Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah is quick to point out that precautionary measures are being strictly undertaken in accordance with recommendations from the World Health Organization. In addition, a special lab is to be set up in Arafat, more than 5 miles away, in order to test pilgrims at the end of Hajj, where a quarantine section will be available.

It had previously been reported that only people holding vaccination certificates will be allowed to obtain a visa to enter the country. However, the Head of the Hajj Preparatory Committee at the Health Ministry denounced rumors that pilgrims may have purchased fake vaccination certificates. He states pilgrims were never asked to have these certificates to gain entry to the country.

Specially trained staff are stationed at Abdulaziz International Airport and Prince Muhammad International Airport, to identify possible symptoms of H1N1. All hospitals and over 140 health care centers have the vaccine in their possession in case of need.

Three million Muslims are expected to converge on the area in order to take part in the Hajj. It is a pilgrimage expected to be made of every able bodied person of Muslim faith at least once in their lifetime.