Oct 12 2009
The world-wide outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus, also known as the swine flu, has many people concerned about how to prevent the spread of further illness. The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the
Hajj, brings nearly 3 million people together at a time. This year's Hajj will take place in
November 2009, during flu season. Many individuals and governments are concerned about the possibility of an outbreak.
The government of Saudi Arabia is taking measures to prevent the spread of H1N1 during this year's pilgrimage. If you plan to attend the Hajj, you should check with your authorized travel agent and the Saudi embassy of your country to stay informed about the latest regulations. Here is an overview to date:
Are certain groups of people advised against attending the Hajj?
Yes. The government of Saudi Arabia has advised certain populations against attending this year's Hajj, and may deny visas as a safety measure:
- children younger than 10
- adults older than 65
- pregnant women
- those with chronic health conditions
Are some countries preventing their citizens from attending Hajj?
Several countries have announced that limits or bans on attending Hajj may be implemented if circumstances require. To date, only
Tunisia has announced a full ban.
Is a vaccination against H1N1 required?
Saudi embassies require proof of certain vaccinations in order to grant Hajj visas. In recent years, the vaccinations required were for meningococcal meningitis and (in some countries) yellow fever and polio. The
Saudi Ministry of Health has issued new regulations that, in addition to the above,
all pilgrims must have vaccines against the seasonal flu and H1N1 (if universally available) two weeks prior to applying for a visa.
If I attend Hajj, how can I keep safe?
Standard flu prevention techniques are especially important during Hajj travel: frequent hand-washing, cough and sneeze etiquette, and avoiding those who are already ill. For detailed H1N1 safety advice, please read
"How to Prevent Cold and Flu" by the About.com Guide to Cold & Flu.
Millions of Muslims also visit Mecca during Ramadan -- was there an outbreak of H1N1 during Ramadan this year?
Saudi officials have confirmed that there were no pilgrim deaths during Ramadan this year, despite mass crowds at the holy sites.
What else are Saudi officials doing to help control the spread of H1N1?
The government of Saudi Arabia has set up health screenings at all airports and ports of entry. Antiviral medication is available, and the H1N1 vaccine is expected within two weeks. In July, Saudi Arabia hosted a meeting of Arab health ministers, and they have been working very closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international experts to ensure pilgrim and resident safety. Locally, Saudi school children have been delayed from returning to school until mid-October as a preventative measure.
Muslims don't eat pork -- how can I get sick with swine flu?
The H1N1 virus was initially called the "swine flu" because it was similar to viruses found in animals, specifically in live pigs. However, the pandemic H1N1 virus contains genes from human, swine, and bird flu viruses. It is now transmitted through human-to-human contact and has nothing to do eating pork.
