Holy Sites: This year's Haj is free of infectious diseases so far, said Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeah, Minister of Health, Monday. He said there are no worrying signs of any outbreak at this stage and that the vast majority of pilgrims are enjoying good health. He said doctors have been treating all the normal types of illnesses. Most of the cases are of patients suffering from chronic diseases such diabetes and hypertension which can be dealt with easily. Al-Rabeah made the comments while inspecting the medical services at the holy sites. Last year the authorities took extraordinary precautions to safeguard Haj because of the danger posed by the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu. However, the predictions of widespread infections did not materialize. Al-Rabeah said King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has stressed that the best medical services should be provided to ensure pilgrims are safe. He also praised the efforts of volunteer medical students and undergraduate nurses. Al-Rabeah also toured the Saudi Red Crescent, the Ministry of Interior's medical services, the Armed Forces' medical facilities and the National Guard. He said the Ministry of Health is an integrated part of the system run by the emergency committee which serves as an umbrella body for all medical bodies involved in the Haj.
