Saudi Arabia - swine flu

Millions of faithful flock to Mecca amid swine flu warning

Article published on the 2009-11-25 Latest update 2009-11-25 14:50 TU

Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba inside the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca
(Photo: Reuters)

Some 2.5 million Muslims began the hajj on Wednesday, as they embarked on their annual religious pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca amid swine flu fears. Pilgrims clothed in white garments headed for the Kaaba shrine at dawn to pray in Mecca's Grand Mosque while some of the 20,000 medical staff dispatched by Saudi Arabia stood by to help those who need medical assistance.

Four pilgrims died of swine flu A(H1N1) before the start of the pilgrimage, but the Saudi health ministry said that the four had had other health concerns when they arrived for the hajj.

The ministry says that there are only 67 cases of A(H1N1), and have distributed surgical masks to those in attendance, but relatively few were wearing them.

Earlier this year, a reported 35 per cent of pilgrims had cancelled their trip to Mecca due to fears regarding swine flu. In 2009 alone, A(H1N1) has killed 6,7500 people worldwide.

Those who have made the pilgrimage might have to deal with heavy rains, according to the Saudi Health Ministry, but they said they were prepared for the possibility. Saudi Arabia does not have a major drainage system, and flooding could be a problem.

The hajj is a requirement for all devout Muslims to undertake at least once during their lifetime. Pilgrims head to make the Tawaf at the Grand Mosque and circle the Kaaba, or the cube-like structure in the centre, seven times. Next, the devout head to Mina to spend the night before going to Mount Arafat. This site is near where the Prophet Mohammed gave his final sermon.