Health authorities have in Senegal detected several dozen COVID-19 cases among pilgrims returning from Mecca. Upon their arrival at Dakar International Airport, multiple individuals tested positive, prompting officials to strengthen surveillance measures while maintaining a reassuring stance.
Pilgrims returning from the pilgrimage now adhere to masking and social distancing protocols. Among Senegalese pilgrims, 78 out of 124 rapid tests conducted at the airport yielded positive results.
Dr. El Hadji Mamadou Ndiaye, Director of Prevention at the Ministry of Health, indicated that this increase in positive cases was anticipated. The close quarters and extensive contact during the pilgrimage contribute to the annual spread of various forms of influenza. This year has seen several deaths linked to respiratory issues among pilgrims.
Currently, vaccination against COVID-19 is not mandatory for those traveling to Mecca. Despite the virus’s continued presence, testing rates have declined.
Health authorities have refrained from declaring a new epidemic, as healthcare facilities are not overwhelmed. COVID-19 has long been viewed as a mild flu, under continuous monitoring.
Precautionary measures have nonetheless been intensified: all passengers returning from Jeddah are required to wear masks. Testing is voluntary or conducted in suspected cases. For severe cases, a dedicated healthcare system is in place to provide necessary care.
To ensure accurate identification of the virus, laboratories will conduct genotyping of the samples to determine if the detected cases are still the Omicron variant or a new strain.
This year, 12,900 Senegalese participated in the pilgrimage to Mecca.