OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – The Ministry of Health announced Wednesday that it has reinforced the COVID-19 surveillance system at all entry points into Burkina Faso, following reports of COVID-19 cases among Hajj pilgrims in certain countries within the region.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene is closely monitoring the situation concerning deaths among some pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj and the COVID-19 cases reported by various countries among their nationals returning from Mecca. “Fortunately, for the moment, the situation in the Burkinabè contingent remains classic in view of the data from the medical team and the Burkina Faso embassy in Riyadh,” the Ministry stated.

As a precautionary measure, the government has decided to enhance the existing surveillance system, which already includes COVID-19 among the diseases under watch. The Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene has assured the Burkinabè population that steps have been taken to strengthen surveillance in all health structures and at entry points to the national territory to ensure effective screening, diagnosis, and management of potential cases.

The Ministry further advised individuals to visit the nearest health center if they or any returning pilgrim experience symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. For more information, the public can call the toll-free number 3535 set up for health emergencies.