The New York Times runs a piece on how Saudi Arabia is preparing to confront swine flu in the context of the Haj. The article (here linked to my local newspaper, part of the NYT chain) notes that the Saudi authorities know that they cannot keep swine flu out of the country: Hajjis bring diseases with them; that’s simply a fact. Rather, they will be working to mitigate the spread of disease and hope that the various kinds of flu now prevalent in the world do not mix into something more dangerous.
The article is a good encapsulation of Saudi efforts. It does not, however, mention the pushback from many Saudis on the plans for vaccination. Conspiracy theories about the vaccine have had a truly disruptive effect, if Saudi media are to be believed. No one has yet discussed the effect of those conspiracy theories on pilgrims and whether or not they would avoid vaccination.
Saudis Try to Head Off Swine Flu Fears Before Hajj
DONALD G. McNEIL JrEvery year, the single largest gathering on the planet is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca: 2.5 million people from 160 countries packed into a small city in Saudi Arabia for five days.
This year, some will be bringing swine flu.
The Saudi authorities, fearing that the hajj could turn their holy city into a petri dish for viral mutations and a hub for spreading a new pandemic wave around the world, are working hard to head that off. They have asked some worshipers, including pregnant women and the elderly, not to make the trip, which is scheduled for the last week of November.
“The hajj is a central ritual of Islam, and our country tries to make it easy for everyone to come,” said Dr. Ziad A. Memish, the country’s assistant deputy minister for preventive medicine. “We’ve said we won’t turn away anyone who arrives at our borders. But we are recommending to other countries whom they should let come.”
…
Reuters’ ‘Alert Net’ provides a listing of how various countries are restricting travel for Haj.
Also on ‘Alert Net’ is a piece about how the Haj cannot but affect the spread of swine flu:
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October:30:2009 - 09:46
The number of confirmed swine flu cases continues to rise as 73,000 cases were reported in the UK last week. Swine Flu UK
October:30:2009 - 12:13
Saudi Arabia Haj Toursim might lose money this year over this global scare, but I think now, those who want to do the Haj in countries were traveling to KSA during the Haj is permitted, might have better chance as the quotas might not be as restricting. Ofcourse I cannot speak for the Saudi government but I do know that the Kingdom only allow certain amount of people from each country to perform the Haj. Last year there were some setbacks as some applications were denied due to the quota already being filled.
October:31:2009 - 12:14
I believe the Saudi government is doing a very good job at taking all precautions possible to minimize the spread of H1N1. And as the NYT article illustrates, the government is also being realistic that not all can be controlled and some new cases will emerge and spread. That acknowledgment is a positive step on the part of Saudi Arabia rather than shielding facts and full picture. Recognition should also go to Dr. Ziad Memish, Deputy Ministry of Health for his outstanding efforts in heading up Saudi Arabia’s H1N1 program.
Saudi Arabia thrives on conspiracy theories so it is not a surprise by any means that theories exist pertaining in H1N1.
In closing I do hope that some of the countries which state to have vaccinated their Hajj pilgrims have in fact used a “real” vaccine.
October:31:2009 - 18:51
Although I wouldn’t expect any less, I am very impressed with the efforts Saudi, and other Muslim countries have made to manage this public health risk of H1N1 and haj. The CDC is the most specialized body to offer advice on infectious diseases, as WHO has multiple other mandates.
It seems the most likely scenarios have all been anticipated and planned for, including the impact of returning pilgrims on their home countries. Kudos to China on making haj pilgrims a priority group for the vaccine since they will indeed be at higher risk due to exposure. The US should be showing more leadership in this by doing the same.
The Saudis don’t seem any more conspiracy oriented on this particular topic than anyone else. Unfortunately, ignorance and fear abound, and put people’s health at risk.
I’m looking forward to reading the Science article referenced.
Thanks!