7 Algerians died while doing pilgrimage

The head of the Pilgrimage National Office Berbara Echiekh, has declared that seven Algerian pilgrims died so far, denying any contamination by the swine flu until the second day of “Eid Aldhha”, while the Saudi authorities registered a decrease in the number of pilgrims estimated at 7% in comparison with last year.

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• Talking in a telephone call from the holy land, M Berbara has indicated that the poor health conditions of the seven pilgrims was the cause of their death ruling out the existence of any case of H1N1 among them.
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• On the other hand, he has revealed that the Algerian medical staff has treated a pregnant Egyptian woman who was expecting her baby on spot; the lady gave birth to her baby amid joyful and brotherly atmosphere.
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• Estimates released by Saudi authorities revealed that some 2.313.278 pilgrims have completed their rituals; 1.613.965 among them came from 138 foreign countries all over the world, while the others are Saudi citizens.
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• This year’s number is 7% lower in comparison to last year due to the looming threat of swine flu pandemic. Several countries took precautionary measures to protect their citizens during this year’s pilgrimage.
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• The Algerian delegation has repatriated two women on account of their deteriorated health condition, while masks and sterilized liquid were distributed regularly for the Algerian pilgrims to protect them from viruses that spread rapidly in such environments.
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• It should be noted that heavy rains were blamed for the dearth of more than 100 people from Saudi Arabia and other nationalities, while several roads were closed to traffic in Djeddah.
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