Libya Reports First Swine Flu Death, Saudi Arabian Authorities Report Five Deaths During Hajj

November 30, 2009 10:47 a.m. EST

Tripoli, Libya (AHN) - On Monday Libyan health officials reported the country's first death due to swine flu. Authorities say the victim was a 40-year-old pregnant woman. Reportedly the woman experienced side effects common with the Influenza A (H1N1) virus that ranged from shortness of breath to a dry cough and fever.

In addition, Saudi Arabian authorities reported five deaths in their country. It is believed the deaths were all from pilgrims during this year's Hajj. Fears were running rampant that the waves and influx of people would spell a health catastrophe. But the Governor of the Mecca region, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, told the state-run SPA news agency that only 73 cases, including the five who died, have tested positive for the virus during this year's pilgrimage to Mecca.

Hajj is currently the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a moral obligation that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so.