Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in the West Midlands reminded to get meningitis vaccination

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging travellers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for Umrah and the upcoming Hajj pilgrimages to ensure they are vaccinated against meningococcal disease with the MenACWY vaccine, due to ongoing outbreaks of serogroup W (MenW) disease associated with travel to KSA.

UKHSA has confirmed five cases of MenW disease between February and March in people who had recently returned from KSA or in their close contacts in England and Wales.

Invasive meningococcal disease is rare but serious and is caused by meningococcal bacteria. 

Meningococcal meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) are severe conditions that can kill or leave people with life-changing disabilities.

Those undertaking Hajj or Umrah, along with seasonal workers, are required to present a valid certificate of MenACWY vaccination issued between 10 days and three to five years before arrival, depending on the type of MenACWY vaccine previously received. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) has advised, however, that all travellers to KSA should consider receiving the quadrivalent meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccine, especially during the current MenW outbreak.

Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "The MenACWY vaccination is essential for pilgrims travelling to KSA for Umrah and Hajj, particularly given recent cases among UK returnees and their families. 

"Meningococcal disease can be fatal and may leave survivors with serious lifelong conditions including hearing loss, brain damage and limb amputations.

"Pilgrims should ensure vaccination at least ten days before travel and remain vigilant for symptoms like sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, or rash. 

"If you or anyone at home becomes unwell with any symptoms of meningitis within two weeks of returning from Saudi Arabia, contact your GP or NHS 111, mentioning your recent travel history, or dial 999 in case of emergency."

Dr Naveed Syed, UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Consultant and member of UKHSA’s Muslim Public Health Network, said: “Pilgrims are at increased risk from a range of vaccine preventable diseases, so anyone going to Hajj should be up to date with routine immunisations given in the UK. 

"Parents should also make sure any children are up to date with their vaccinations, especially those for meningitis. 

"Discuss with your GP what vaccinations are most appropriate before travel, and don’t forget to take a good supply of any regular medication. 

"It’s also important to keep hydrated and wear sunscreen at this time of year.

“Pilgrims should avoid contact with camels or consuming camel products, to reduce risk of infection from MERS-CoV. Ceremonial head-shaving for men, with shared razors, carries the risk of blood-borne viral infections, so it’s important that this part of the Hajj observance is carried out by a licensed barber using a clean blade for each pilgrim. 

"As always, practicing good hand and respiratory hygiene are great ways to stop bugs spreading.

“If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of leaving Saudi Arabia or the Middle East, contacts your GP or NHS 111 without delay and inform them of your recent travel history.”

Dr Sahira Dar, President of the British Islamic Medical Association, said: “During Hajj and Umrah, millions of people gather in very close proximity during the pilgrim rights, in accommodation sites and on public transport. 

"This means that there is a much higher risk of contracting infectious diseases such as meningitis which is a serious illness. 

"We highly recommend that everyone going on Hajj and Umrah receive their MenACWY vaccine which could protect them and their loved ones back home.”

Further information on vaccinations and travel health precautions for KSA is available on the NaTHNaC’s website.

For more information, contact UKHSA West Midlands press office on 0121 232 9223/4 Out Of Hours 07834 311 393