Senegal’s health authorities have detected Covid-19 in dozens of pilgrims returning from the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. 

From tests conducted at Dakar’s Blaise Diagne International Airport, 78 cases of Covid-19 were recorded among the returning pilgrims.

The health ministry indicated that these results were not unexpected, as returning pilgrims had been advised to wear masks and self-isolate upon their return. In response to the situation, authorities have increased surveillance efforts to monitor and contain the spread of the virus.

The detection of these cases comes amid reports from Saudi officials, who stated that over 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. The high number of fatalities was attributed to the extremely high summer temperatures experienced during the event.

The Hajj pilgrimage, which involves events like the symbolic stoning of the pillars, sees large crowds gather in confined spaces, often with little to no social distancing measures. This environment has previously led to deadly stampedes and poses significant health risks.

This year, more than 1.83 million Muslims participated in the Hajj pilgrimage. Senegal contributed 12,900 pilgrims to this number.

Senegalese health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and are urging all returning pilgrims to adhere to health guidelines to prevent further spread of the virus.

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