Saudi Minister of Health: 1,301 pilgrims died due to heat stress

Saudi Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel announced that the number of deaths among pilgrims due to heat stress reached 1,301, noting that 83 percent of them were not authorized to perform Hajj, as they walked long distances under the sun without shelter or comfort, and among them were a number of the elderly and those suffering from  chronic diseases.

The Saudi SPA news agency quoted Al-Jalajel as saying in a television interview on Sunday  that no epidemics or widespread diseases were recorded among pilgrims, pointing out that the health system provided more than 465,000 specialized treatment services, of which 141,000 services were provided to those not authorized to perform Hajj.

Al-Jalajel pointed out that the health condition of the pilgrims was reassuring, especially in light of the high temperatures recorded in the Holy Sites, indicating that the health system dealt with large numbers of those affected by heat stress this year, and some of them are still receiving care until now.