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Haj pilgrims will not be subjected to quarantine

'Yes, cases of bird flu have recently been reported from Saudi Arabia but there have been no reports of any human cases of avian flu, so there is no need to quarantine anybody returning from the country,' said Dr Ali Al Marzouqi, Director of Public Health Affairs, Dohms yesterday.

Last year, Dubai Airport had installed thermal scanners at exit points to detect any human cases of the flu among people returning after performing Haj. However, this year the Dubai Airport authorities have said that there was no need for scanners unless something was announced. Dr Al Marzouqi, however, stressed the need for meningitis and flu vaccinations. 'We have already started an awareness campaign in this regard. Several people have already been administered vaccinations against meningitis which, once administered, is not required for another three years,' he explained.

• UAE