Dining Out in Saudi Arabia

Here's a list of restaurants prevailing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Over the past few years there have been a lot of new & exciting restaurants booming up in Saudi Arabia. Some are exclusive for men, while some have separate sections for families so that women can dispense their veil and eat comfortably.

First Swine Flu death case in Saudi Arabia

Recently I posted an article on the influenza virus briefing on the best measures to be followed to prevent one from getting infected and what to do in case you are infected. The article written then mentioned that the virus had caused no deaths in Saudi Arabia.

Alas! On Monday 27 Jul’ 09 the Saudi Arabian Health Ministry confirmed the death of a 30-year old male Saudi Citizen who was infected by the virus. The victim was admitted at a private medical facility in the eastern city of Dammam with symptoms that included coughing, high fever, and difficulty in breathing. He expired on Saturday despite being treated with antibiotics and the anti-flu drug Tamiflu.

This brings the total number of swine flu deaths in the Middle East to 3. Saudi Arabia has reported over 300 cases of swine flu so far which is more than any other Arab country. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stopped taking a daily tally on pandemic H1N1 cases and deaths around the world due to the widespread nature of the virus. However, it would still report on swine flu cases and deaths in newly affected countries.

The causalities have caused concerns amongst the officials in Mecca regarding the annual Muslim pilgrimage known as the hajj. The Hajj pilgrimage which was attended by at least 2 million people last year is said to show a major decline this time as the Health ministers are planning to restrict pilgrims over the age of 65, below 12 and those with chronic illness from performing the Hajj.


Must read article: What to do incase you find yourself infected.

Swine flu makes headlines across Saudi Arabia

Yes, it’s spreading; the count of swine flu cases in the kingdom has reached 216 so far with nil death cases reported. As of now, most of the infected patients have recovered and are leading normal lives while all remaining cases are stable and expected to fully recover after treatment.

Recently the Saudi Health Ministry declared about 20 cases of the flu in an International school in Riyadh. The school has been forced to close down for a week as a precautionary measure. Though the officials have declined to identify the name of the institution, an expert has confirmed that it’s the Future Generation International School.

Coming to the air traffic situation, the holiday season usually generated a huge profit to the airlines but things have changed this summer. Due to the outbreak of the influenza virus, the air traffic from KSA to the United States and Europe has incurred immense losses amounting to millions of dollars.

The question now arises if this years Hajj will be affected by the A/H1N1 virus. An Expert has quoted that although the chances of contracting the swine flu virus may be low, it could be dangerous, and it would be wise for pilgrims not to take any risks.

Well, the Saudi government has made a move to pay out enormous sums to conduct the pilgrimage, from staffing at airports to security and health support in Mecca. Pro-active measures have been taken by installing thermal cameras at the major points of entry to identify those arriving with fevers. Cameras will also be set up at health centers around the country.


Are You Infected???

Examine your self for the following symptoms:

• Coughs, sore throat, feverish illness, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite and muscle aches.
• Runny or stuffy nose, Chills.
• Diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Pneumonia and respiratory failure.
• In young children, warning signs include fast or troubled breathing, a bluish skin tone and irritability.

If you think you are infected:

• Use a tissue when possible to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Dispose of dirty tissues without delay.
• Avoid contact with other people as much as possible.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus. Stay hygienic.
• Clean hard surfaces, such as door handles, telephones etc. regularly using a normal cleaning product
• Wearing a mask can help prevent passing the infection to others.

Whom to contact in case of swine flu?

The Ministry of Health has opened its laboratories to conduct clinical examinations on a 24/7 basis and set up a toll free line (800-249-4444) to respond to queries from the public on any matter related to swine flu. The callers will be treated with strict confidentiality & experienced doctors in the relevant field will assist the callers in clarifying doubts.
Swine flu incubation can take up to seven days, though generally it is between 24 and 48 hours from initial infection. Anti-viral drugs work best if it’s taken within 48 hours of the manifestation of symptoms.


Sequel article: First Swine Flu Death in Saudi Arabia

Listen to Radio Station 97.7 FM for latest updates on the swine flu cases in KSA.Click here for the English Broadcast Timings.