Mecca Issues Strict Measures Over Swine Flu in Uganda:

Saudi Arabia has issued strict measures to Muslim pilgrims intending to go for this year's Hajji and Umra to guard against the spread of the influenza A virus, commonly referred to as swine flu.

According to a circular issued by the Saudi Embassy last week, all pilgrims must test for Influenza A (H1N1) two weeks before getting Hajji visas.

"It is a requirement to all pilgrims to test for Influenza A and be acquainted with precautions against influenza A," reads a circular issued by the consular section.

The kingdom has also barred pregnant women and elderly people suffering from chronic illnesses from participating in this year's festival in Mecca.

"Health experts have advised that people who fall in such categories postpone their Umra and Hajji arrangements for safety reasons," the circular added.

Besides the annual Hajji during which more than two million people gather in Saudi Arabia, Muslims can also maker a lesser pilgrimage to the holy places known as Umra at any time of the year.

Hajji is the fifth pillar of Islam which must be fulfiled by Muslims if they have the means. It's usually undertaken during the month of Ramadhan, a holy fasting period.

This year's fasting will commence between August 22 and 23, according to Sheik Hassan Kirya, the chairman of the Uganda Hajji Mission.

In the past, the pilgrims were only required to test for yellow fever and meningitis. So far, 16 suspected swine flu cases in Uganda have been screened. Five were found positive.