Thousands of Egyptians cancelled plans to travel to Saudi Arabia for their small pilgrimage following an announcement by the Egyptian Minister of Health, who said he was considering a three week due to the H1/N1 swine flu outbreak. Vice President for the Chamber of Commerce Nasser Turki said bookings have fallen 60% for the Umrah to Makkah pilgrimage.
The World Health Organization has warned there could be more outbreaks if the H1/N1 virus enters Africa, which has fewer resources. So far there have been only seven reported outbreaks of the virus in the Middle East. The H1/N1 virus was contracted by Israelis who had just returned from Mexico, the epicenter of the outbreak. Mass pilgrimage to Makkah has previously resulted in deaths from infectious disease.
