Senegal Detects Covid-19 in Returning Hajj Pilgrims
Senegal has reported detecting Covid-19 in dozens of pilgrims returning from their Hajj journey in Mecca. At Dakar’s Blaise Diagne International Airport, 78 cases of Covid-19 were identified from recent tests.
Senegal’s health ministry stated that these results were expected, emphasizing that returning pilgrims had been advised to wear masks and self-isolate. Authorities have intensified surveillance measures in response.
Saudi officials reported over 1,300 deaths during this year’s Hajj, attributing them to high summer temperatures. Events such as the stoning of pillars often lead to large crowds without social distancing, contributing to past deadly stampedes.
In 2024, more than 1.83 million Muslims performed Hajj, including 12,900 pilgrims from Senegal.