UKHSA urges travellers to one country to get vaccinated amid 'ongoing outbreaks' of 'life-threatening' infection

Health officials have urged pilgrims to get vaccinated against a potentially deadly infection after "recent cases among UK returnees"

13:41, 24 Apr 2025

Proof of MenACWY vaccination 'at least 10 days' before travel is required for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims(Image: PA)

Health bosses issued a warning to pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia to get vaccinated against meningitis amid "ongoing outbreaks" of the potentially deadly infection.

The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed five cases of serogroup W (MenW) disease, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection, between February and March 2025 in people who had recently returned from Saudi Arabia or their close contacts.

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Ahead of Umrah and upcoming Hajj pilgrimages, the UKHSA has urged people travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to get vaccinated against meningococcal disease "at least ten days before travel".

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Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious infection caused by meningococcal bacteria that can lead to meningitis and septicaemia – inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord and blood poisoning, respectively.

Meningitis and septicaemia are both life-threatening conditions that can be fatal or leave patients with life-changing disabilities, the UKHSA warns.

Neisseria meningitidis, a type of meningitis bacteria, that can cause life-threatening infection(Image: Getty Images/Science Photo Library)

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Those undertaking Hajj or Umrah are required to show proof of MenACWY vaccination, which protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria.

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.

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"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."

While abroad and in the two weeks after returning to the UK, pilgrims and travellers returning from KSA are also urged to watch out for symptoms such as:

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fever
severe headache
vomiting
stiff neck
rash
extreme sleepiness
seizures

Anyone who has symptoms after returning from KSA should seek immediate medical advice or dial 999 in a medical emergency, the UKHSA advises.

The UKHSA has warned of outbreaks linked to Hajj and Umrah, where millions of people gather in very close proximity(Image: AP)

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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."

The UKHSA has also advised pilgrims to avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products, avoid contact with camels, and practise good hygiene to limit their risk of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).