Saudi reports first swine flu death

Saudi Arabia confirmed on Monday the first death from H1N1 flu, reports Reuters. The nation’s ministry of health announced a 30-year-old man fell victim to the virus on Saturday at a private medical facility in the eastern city of Dammam.

Saudi Arabia has 300 confirmed cases of swine flu, prompting regional health ministers to restrict pilgrims over the age of 65 and below 12 and those with prolonged illnesses from performing haj this year over fears of a pandemic.

Over a million pilgrims are expected to perform haj this year during the third week of Ramadan (the third week of August).