Saudi authorities have reported that only five pilgrims have died after contracting swine flu during this year's Hajj.

Despite fears about the new waves of the H1N1 flu virus spreading by pilgrims travelling to and from Mecca following Hajj, Saudi Health Minister Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said the virus had claimed the lives of only five pilgrims.

The Governor of the Mecca region, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, told the state-run SPA news agency that some 73 cases including 5 deaths have tested positive for the virus during this year's Hajj.

Speaking on the final day of the annual Islamic ritual on Sunday, Al-Rabeeah said only 10 percent of some 2.5 million pilgrims attending this year's Hajj had been vaccinated against the virus.

"Our safety precautions have secured a very successful and safe Hajj for pilgrims from around the world with no infectious disease outbreaks," Al-Rabeeah said.

Despite the relatively minor impact of the virus during Hajj season, some experts believe the true extent of the virus will not be known until pilgrims return to their home countries.

MGH/TG/PKH/HGH