Saudi Arabia reports first H1N1 deaths among pilgrims

RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia said on Saturday four pilgrims had died of the new H1N1 flu virus three days before the massive Muslim haj is due to begin, al-Hayat newspaper said.

The Health Ministry said the deaths were among pilgrims who came from outside Saudi Arabia, al-Hayat online news said.

Health Ministry spokesman Khaled Mirghalani could not be immediately reached for comment.

Some 3 million Muslim pilgrims take part in the haj in the holy city of Mecca every year, including up to 2 million who travel from abroad. Haj rituals this year start on Wednesday.

Disease experts from the United States and Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, say that waves of H1N1 flu virus spread by pilgrims traveling to and from Mecca for this year's haj threaten to put pressure on healthcare systems around the world.

The pilgrimage provides perfect conditions for the spread of the H1N1 flu virus, which is transmitted by sneezing and physical contact.

(Writing by Souhail Karam; Editing by Jon Hemming)