Health officials are warning Muslim travelers about an outbreak of meningitis in Saudi Arabia The annual Hajj is coming up in a matter of weeks Twelve cases of meningitis have been linked to recent pilgrimages to Mecca WEDNESDAY, May 22, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Muslim pilgrims attending the annual Hajj could be at risk for meningitis due to outbreaks occurring in Saudi Arabia, U.S. health officials warned this week.
Twelve cases of meningitis linked to Umrah travel to Saudi Arabia have been reported to national health agencies in three countries, the CDC said in a travel health notice . Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that can be performed any time of the year, the CDC said. The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage, scheduled to occur June 14 to 19 this year, in which between 2 to 3 million Muslims travel to Mecca.
Saudi Arabia requires all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims older than 1 year to be vaccinated for meningitis, the CDC noted. Nevertheless, nine of the meningitis cases were unvaccinated, the CDC said. Meningitis is a rare but severe disease that kills 10% to 15% of patients, even if they’re receiving antibiotics, the CDC said.
The infection causes inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity and altered mental status, the CDC said. The infection also can spread into the bloodstream, with additional symptoms including chills, fatigue, cold hands and feet, seve.
