Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09RIYADH959
2009-07-22 15:07:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:
SAUDI H1N1 UPDATE: UMRAH RETURNEE DIES IN EGYPT,
how-toVZCZCXRO3780 PP RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHDIR DE RUEHRH #0959 2031507 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 221507Z JUL 09 FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1262 INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHEG/AMEMBASSY CAIRO PRIORITY 2735 RUEHMS/AMEMBASSY MUSCAT PRIORITY 0027 RUEHTU/AMEMBASSY TUNIS PRIORITY 1398 RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA GA PRIORITY RUEAUSA/DEPT OF HHS WASHDC PRIORITY
UNCLAS RIYADH 000959
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARP (HARRIS)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL TBIO KFLU CASC ASEC BEXP SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI H1N1 UPDATE: UMRAH RETURNEE DIES IN EGYPT,
REDUCED TRAVEL BOOKINGS, 294 CASES
REF: CAIRO 1216
UNCLAS RIYADH 000959
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARP (HARRIS)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL TBIO KFLU CASC ASEC BEXP SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI H1N1 UPDATE: UMRAH RETURNEE DIES IN EGYPT,
REDUCED TRAVEL BOOKINGS, 294 CASES
REF: CAIRO 1216
1. (SBU) The number of H1N1 cases in the Kingdom has risen to
294, and the first fatality was reported on July 19. An
Umrah pilgrim with a pre-existing heart ailment died of H1N1
reportedly after becoming ill while on Umrah pilgrimage in
the Kingdom. The patient, a 25 year old Egyptian woman,
reportedly developed flu symptoms on July 11 and did not
respond to treatment in Saudi Arabia. Egypt subsequently
advised that pregnant women, children, the elderly, and
anyone with chronic illnesses should postpone their Hajj and
Umrah pilgrimages. Iran and Oman have issued similar
warnings. We have been unable to confirm reports that
Tunisia is suspending Umrah pilgrimages completely.
According to press reports, Egypt's top cleric, Sheikh Ali
Gomaa, said he would follow World Health Organization (WHO)
advice regarding the issuance of a fatwa barring Egyptians
from making the pilgrimage (which appears to be a change in
position from his previous message reported reftel).
2. (SBU) Air traffic from Saudi Arabia to the United States
and Europe reportedly dropped due to concerns about the H1N1
outbreak. The BMI country manager told Econoff that bookings
on the airline had fallen because of these concerns, noting
that Saudis were delaying or canceling travel plans to Europe
due to reports of H1N1 infection there. Several airline
officials and one travel agency reported a surge in bookings
on flights to East Asian countries, which Saudi travelers
apparently see as a safer alternative.
ERDMAN
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARP (HARRIS)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL TBIO KFLU CASC ASEC BEXP SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI H1N1 UPDATE: UMRAH RETURNEE DIES IN EGYPT,
REDUCED TRAVEL BOOKINGS, 294 CASES
REF: CAIRO 1216
1. (SBU) The number of H1N1 cases in the Kingdom has risen to
294, and the first fatality was reported on July 19. An
Umrah pilgrim with a pre-existing heart ailment died of H1N1
reportedly after becoming ill while on Umrah pilgrimage in
the Kingdom. The patient, a 25 year old Egyptian woman,
reportedly developed flu symptoms on July 11 and did not
respond to treatment in Saudi Arabia. Egypt subsequently
advised that pregnant women, children, the elderly, and
anyone with chronic illnesses should postpone their Hajj and
Umrah pilgrimages. Iran and Oman have issued similar
warnings. We have been unable to confirm reports that
Tunisia is suspending Umrah pilgrimages completely.
According to press reports, Egypt's top cleric, Sheikh Ali
Gomaa, said he would follow World Health Organization (WHO)
advice regarding the issuance of a fatwa barring Egyptians
from making the pilgrimage (which appears to be a change in
position from his previous message reported reftel).
2. (SBU) Air traffic from Saudi Arabia to the United States
and Europe reportedly dropped due to concerns about the H1N1
outbreak. The BMI country manager told Econoff that bookings
on the airline had fallen because of these concerns, noting
that Saudis were delaying or canceling travel plans to Europe
due to reports of H1N1 infection there. Several airline
officials and one travel agency reported a surge in bookings
on flights to East Asian countries, which Saudi travelers
apparently see as a safer alternative.
ERDMAN