The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding travellers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for Umrah and the upcoming Hajj pilgrimages to ensure they are vaccinated against meningitis
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is issuing a reminder to those travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for Umrah and the upcoming Hajj pilgrimages to get vaccinated against meningitis. The agency is urging these travellers to ensure they have received the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against meningococcal disease, due to ongoing outbreaks of serogroup W (MenW) disease linked to travel to KSA.
Between February and March 2025, the UKHSA confirmed five cases of MenW disease in individuals who had recently returned from KSA or their close contacts in England and Wales. Invasive meningococcal disease, caused by meningococcal bacteria, is rare but serious, leading to conditions such as meningococcal meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord lining) and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can be fatal or result in life-altering disabilities.
Those embarking on Hajj or Umrah, as well as seasonal workers, must present a valid MenACWY vaccination certificate issued between 10 days and three to five years prior to arrival, depending on the type of MenACWY vaccine previously administered. However, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) recommend that all travellers to KSA consider getting the quadrivalent meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccine, particularly amidst the current MenW outbreak.
Meningitis symptoms
Pilgrims and travellers returning from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are advised to monitor for symptoms such as fever, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, rash, extreme sleepiness, and seizures during their trip and for two weeks after their return to the UK.
These symptoms may initially resemble flu and can manifest in any order, but they can escalate to serious illness within hours. If anyone experiences these symptoms and is worried about their health or someone else’s, they should seek immediate medical advice or call 999 in a medical emergency.
Dr Shamez Ladhani, a 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 Sahira Dar, president of the British Islamic Medical Association, highlighted the increased risk of infectious diseases due to the close proximity of pilgrims: “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.”
In addition, UKHSA is alerting travellers to the potential risks associated with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Although the threat to UK residents is low, pilgrims are advised to take specific precautions:
– Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products
– Steer clear of camels and any animal waste
– Maintain high standards of hygiene, especially washing hands after visiting farms, barns, or markets
If symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing arise within two weeks after leaving Saudi Arabia, individuals should promptly contact a GP or NHS 111. It’s crucial to mention the recent travel history and any exposure to respiratory cases, healthcare facilities, or camels while travelling.
For comprehensive advice on vaccinations and travel health for KSA, the NaTHNaC website offers further information.
