World Story of the Day
Flu Threat Looms As Mecca Readies For Pilgrims
By Kelly McEvers
Flu Threat Looms As Mecca Readies For Pilgrimsby Kelly McEvers
November 6, 2009
Listen to the StoryAll Things Considered
[4 min 15 sec]Add to PlaylistDownloadTranscript Enlarge Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty ImagesHundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims circle the sacred Kaaba stone at Mecca's Grand Mosque in December 2008. Saudi Arabian authorities are concerned about the effects the H1N1 pandemic will have on this year's pilgrimage.
Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty ImagesHundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims circle the sacred Kaaba stone at Mecca's Grand Mosque in December 2008. Saudi Arabian authorities are concerned about the effects the H1N1 pandemic will have on this year's pilgrimage.
text sizeAAANovember 6, 2009Anxious health officials in Saudi Arabia say that for the first time in recorded history, a global pandemic could affect the hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. The H1N1 virus is a major concern for authorities in Saudi Arabia, who are gearing up to host some 2.5 million Muslim pilgrims from 160 countries later this month.
(Image Credit: Khaled Desouki AFP/Getty Images)
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