Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09RIYADH1049
2009-08-12 14:55:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:
SAUDI H1N1 UPDATE: IRAN CANCELS RAMADAN FLIGHTS, 9
how-toVZCZCXRO0704 PP RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHDIR DE RUEHRH #1049 2241455 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 121455Z AUG 09 FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1377 INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
UNCLAS RIYADH 001049
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR NEA/ARP (BERNDT)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL TBIO KFLU CASC ASEC AMGT SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI H1N1 UPDATE: IRAN CANCELS RAMADAN FLIGHTS, 9
DEATHS, HAJJ PREP CONTINUES
UNCLAS RIYADH 001049
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR NEA/ARP (BERNDT)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL TBIO KFLU CASC ASEC AMGT SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI H1N1 UPDATE: IRAN CANCELS RAMADAN FLIGHTS, 9
DEATHS, HAJJ PREP CONTINUES
1. (SBU) Iran cancelled all flights to Saudi Arabia during
Ramadan on August 10 reportedly to minimize the spread of
H1N1. The Chairman of the National Hajj Committee Saad
al-Qarashi said the Iranian decision would minimally impact
Ramadan Umrah season, as Iranians usually come for Umrah
during other months. Although several countries have issued
warnings on travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj, King
Abdullah has not yet approved a proposed ban on elderly,
young, and chronically ill pilgrims.
2. (SBU) Nine people between the ages of 15 and 33 have died
from H1N1 complications in the Kingdom to date. In an August
11 meeting with the A/DCM, Minister of Health Abdullah
Al-Rabeeah said Saudi Arabia's 0.7 percent H1N1 mortality
rate is comparable to other H1N1-infected countries (septel).
Rabeeah noted that the H1N1 cases remain mild and only 16
infected patients are currently hospitalized. Of the 700
H1N1-infected to date, most reportedly have been aged 10 to
35.
3. (SBU) The Ministry of Health announced August 6 that Hajj
visa applicants must provide a doctor's letter confirming
they are in good health and have had a flu vaccination before
coming to the Kingdom. A total of 500 mobile surveillance
machines have been distributed among health officials and
prominent community leaders in all parts of the Kingdom,
according to MOH spokesman Dr. Khalid Al Mirghalani.
ERDMAN
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR NEA/ARP (BERNDT)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL TBIO KFLU CASC ASEC AMGT SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI H1N1 UPDATE: IRAN CANCELS RAMADAN FLIGHTS, 9
DEATHS, HAJJ PREP CONTINUES
1. (SBU) Iran cancelled all flights to Saudi Arabia during
Ramadan on August 10 reportedly to minimize the spread of
H1N1. The Chairman of the National Hajj Committee Saad
al-Qarashi said the Iranian decision would minimally impact
Ramadan Umrah season, as Iranians usually come for Umrah
during other months. Although several countries have issued
warnings on travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj, King
Abdullah has not yet approved a proposed ban on elderly,
young, and chronically ill pilgrims.
2. (SBU) Nine people between the ages of 15 and 33 have died
from H1N1 complications in the Kingdom to date. In an August
11 meeting with the A/DCM, Minister of Health Abdullah
Al-Rabeeah said Saudi Arabia's 0.7 percent H1N1 mortality
rate is comparable to other H1N1-infected countries (septel).
Rabeeah noted that the H1N1 cases remain mild and only 16
infected patients are currently hospitalized. Of the 700
H1N1-infected to date, most reportedly have been aged 10 to
35.
3. (SBU) The Ministry of Health announced August 6 that Hajj
visa applicants must provide a doctor's letter confirming
they are in good health and have had a flu vaccination before
coming to the Kingdom. A total of 500 mobile surveillance
machines have been distributed among health officials and
prominent community leaders in all parts of the Kingdom,
according to MOH spokesman Dr. Khalid Al Mirghalani.
ERDMAN