003 First death from new flu reported in Saudi Arabia - ypen

003 First death from new flu reported in Saudi Arabia

Muslim countries are concerned about the possible spread of the new influenza among Muslim pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia later this year.

Worries have mounted after Saudi health officials announced on Monday that a 30-year-old man had died from the new influenza in the eastern city of Dammam, the nation's first death from the disease.

Earlier, an Egyptian woman died from the flu after returning from the Muslim holy city of Mecca in western Saudi Arabia where she was making a pilgrimage.

Some 2 million Muslims from around the world are expected to make a pilgrimage to Mecca in November.

The Arab League has already recommended that people with low resistance to illness, such as children and the elderly, be banned from the pilgrimage.

The Saudi government says it will tighten quarantine measures at domestic airports.