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Meningitis Warning for Hajj pilgrims
06 January 2003
Meningitis Research Foundation is reminding all those who are preparing to make the pilgrimage to Mecca for the Hajj this February to ensure that their meningitis vaccine is up-to-date. This is now a visa requirement for pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia.
Over the last few years there has been a rise in the number of cases of meningitis and septicaemia, the blood poisoning form of the disease, amongst Hajj pilgrims, and their families. This rise has been caused by a previously rare form of meningitis - W135.
Advice from the Department of Health is for all pilgrims to obtain the 'quadrivalent' meningococcal vaccine (ACWY Vac). This protects against strains A, C, W135 and Y and is available from GP surgeries or travel clinics. In order for the vaccine to be effective, travellers will need to be inoculated at least two weeks before leaving for Saudi Arabia.
Linda Glennie, Meningitis Research Foundation's Head of Research and Medical Information, commented: "In the UK cases of W135 meningitis associated with the Hajj decreased last year, demonstrating the effectiveness of this vaccine. However, in view of the outbreaks of meningitis associated with the Hajj over the past few years, it is important that pilgrims and their families are aware of the signs and symptoms of both meningitis and septicaemia."
Further information on the vaccine or about meningitis and septicaemia can be obtained from Meningitis Research Foundation's Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344 - LoCall 1890 41 33 44 in the Republic of Ireland. Information, written and audio, is available in 18 languages including Arabic, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Somali, Turkish and Urdu by contacting the Foundation or clicking here. An interpreter service in 120 languages is also available.