H1N1 flu scare keeps hajj pilgrims away

MECCA, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Officials said they expect a lower turnout at the annual Muslim hajj in Saudi Arabia because of concerns about the H1N1 virus.

While the number of international visitors may not be affected by the flu scare, the number of local pilgrims could drop by 40 percent, a Saudi health ministry official told the BBC.

About 2 million Muslims travel to Mecca annually for the pilgrimage. Crowds have been gathering in the holy city in recent days to begin the hajj rites Wednesday, the British broadcaster said.

During the weekend, Saudi health authorities said four people attending the hajj died from the H1N1 virus, but downplayed the risk to other pilgrims.

"There is no risk of the illness spreading as we are well-prepared and have taken the necessary measures," Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Khaled Marghlani said during a news conference Tuesday.

The ministry said in a statement the four people who died did not follow "recommended procedures, especially vaccination against swine flu."

Sixteen other H1N1 flu cases had been detected, the ministry said.