(Extract)
Some pilgrims arrived wearing face masks as protection from swine flu
The annual Muslim Hajj pilgrimage has begun in Saudi Arabia, with officials
saying they expect lower numbers mainly because of fears about swine flu.
A senior Saudi health ministry official told the BBC that international
visitor numbers might not be affected, but a 40% drop in local pilgrims was
likely.
The BBC's Shahzeb Jillani says it is the first official recognition that
fear of swine flu may affect the Hajj.