Scientists from Saudi Arabia are assessing the risks posed by the annual hajj, pilgrimage, in the spread of the A/H1N1 swine flu virus along with experts from the World Health Organization, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2009, more than 2,5 million pilgrims are expected in Saudi Arabia from 160 countries around the world for the five-day religious observance between 25-29 November, the height of the flu season. The risks are that so many people packed together in such a short time will act like a giant incubator to transmit the disease worldwide.

Saudi authorities have asked people at risk – pregnant women, young children, the elderly – not to come this year, and recommend people come vaccinated. The airports have been equipped with thermal scanners and other scanning equipment. People are encouraged to wear masks, wash hands frequently and observe “cough etiquette”. New York Times, Reuters, WHO

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