Saudi Arabia prepares for Hajj amid concerns

By: Abdulali

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Hundreds of thousands of Muslims from across the globe are converging on the holy city of Mecca for the hajj that will climax late this month, with Saudi authorities worried about diseases and terrorism.

Hajj has been plagued by fires, stampedes and occasional riots, but the risks are even greater this year. The new challenges this year include infectious diseases as diverse as Ebola and SARS, and officials will keep close watch for any illness outbreaks among pilgrims.

Last week, Saudi Health Minister told reporters that pilgrims from the Republic of Congo will not be allowed at the hajj this year because of a recent Ebola epidemic there. But he said there was no ban on Chinese pilgrims, despite the re-emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome. SARS killed 774 people worldwide last year, and three new cases have emerged in China since December.

Scanners to detect arriving pilgrims with high body temperatures — a possible sign of SARS — have been installed at airports, where 500 health workers have been deployed, according to director of health services in Jeddah.

Head of a hajj group for American pilgrims in the Saudi city of Jeddah Muhammad Abdulaziz said that despite the risks, more American pilgrims are arriving this year than ever before. “Muslim Americans have not shied away despite the recent attacks in the kingdom.”

Saudi King Fahd in a statement Monday urged pilgrims not to cause trouble, warning them to follow the kingdom's laws and “avoid actions that would desecrate the pilgrimage.”

More than 2 million Muslims are expected for the pilgrimage. This year with the ouster of Saddam, some 30,000 Iraqis are expected to make the pilgrimage - the largest contingent in 35 years.

Saudi Arabia has set up a mammoth tent city in Mina, with more than 40,000 white, fireproof tents to house the pilgrims. Dozens of trucks will roam the streets, offering food and drink.

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