Senegal has begun voluntary COVID-19 testing and reinstated mask-wearing at Dakar’s international airport for returning Hajj pilgrims, amid concerns that the virus may be linked to several deaths among pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Health Minister Ibrahima Sy announced on Sunday that approximately 1,300 deaths were related to a respiratory syndrome similar to COVID-19. Initially, it was believed that extreme heat was the cause, but it became evident that a respiratory syndrome was involved.
Sy emphasized the need to monitor returning pilgrims through a screening system for COVID-19, according to reports.
The health ministry has enhanced its surveillance efforts by stationing a team at the airport to offer voluntary tests and identify those with flu-like symptoms.
The ministry also called on the public to remain vigilant and calm to prevent an epidemic. Out of 124 rapid tests conducted, 78 were positive for COVID-19, with 36 confirmed by PCR tests.
Charles Bernard Sagna, the chief medical officer at the airport, noted that the alert was raised after the Senegalese medical team in Jeddah reported many passengers with respiratory issues.
While the ministry stated there was no need for alarm, it stressed the importance of prevention.
According to reports, five Senegalese pilgrims were among those who died. There were 12,000 registered Senegalese participants in this year’s Hajj.
Temperatures during the pilgrimage reached a record 51.8 degrees Celsius, according to Saudi Arabia’s meteorological center.
The SPA news agency reported 1,301 deaths, mostly of unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in direct sunlight.
The Hajj, a fundamental Islamic duty, saw about 1.8 million pilgrims this year, with 1.6 million coming from abroad.
