RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct 30, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Saudi Arabian
authorities say they are taking special steps to prevent next month's annual
pilgrimage to Mecca from becoming a hub for spreading swine flu.
About 2.5 million people from 160 countries usually pack into Saudi Arabia's
holy city for the five-day hajj (pilgrimage) scheduled for the final week of
November. This year some will be bringing swine flu, The New York Times says,
and Saudi authorities are trying to mute the effect.
Officials have asked some worshipers, including pregnant women and the elderly,
not to make the trip and have asked the World Health Organization and other
health agencies for help.
This year, America's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is playing a
major role because of its experience with the new flu strain.
CDC consultants have spent time in Riyadh, flu experts at American medical
schools have been called in and the U.S. Navy's medical laboratory in Cairo is
preparing to help.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2009 by United Press International