In Senegal, health authorities are strengthening their surveillance system after several dozen pilgrims returning from Mecca tested positive for Covid-19.
Rapid tests were carried out on the arrival of the pilgrims at Dakar International Airport; 78 out of 124 people were declared positive for coronavirus.
These figures did not surprise Dr. El Hadji Mamadou Ndiaye, director of prevention at the Ministry of Health, given the close proximity that exists during the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. This proximity is, in fact, the cause of numerous cases of influenza each year.
Although precautionary measures are being strengthened, health authorities are nevertheless trying to reassure the public , as Covid-19 is now considered a flu of little major importance, but one that needs monitoring.
All passengers arriving from Jeddah must wear a mask, get tested on a voluntary basis, and a health system is in place to handle complicated cases.
