The agency said that 10 recent cases of meningococcal disease—a bacterial infection—in the United States and Europe were linked to Saudi Arabia travel and two were close contacts. Two cases were in children under the age of 18, four cases were in adults aged 18 to 44, four were in adults aged 45 to 64, and two were aged 65 years or older, according to the CDC, adding that most of the cases were among those who are unvaccinated for the disease. Meningococcal vaccines are “recommended for travelers to countries where meningococcal disease is hyperendemic or epidemic, including a booster dose of .
.. if the last dose was administered” three to five years ago, the CDC added.
Aside from vaccines, U.S. health departments and health care providers are advised to use antibiotics such as rifampin, ceftriaxone, or azithromycin for close contacts of cases of the disease associated with travel to Saudi Arabia, it continued.
As it issued the travel alert around the same time, the CDC advised that “mass gatherings, such as Hajj or Umrah, can increase the risk for infections such as meningococcal disease,” adding, “In 2024, there have been reports of meningococcal disease in travelers who had been in Saudi Arabia for Umrah.” Travelers are advised to seek urgent medical care if they develop a fever, stiff neck, headache, vomiting, or nausea. The Saudi government has not issued a public statement on the CDC advisory.
The Epoch Times has contacted the Saudi Embassy in Washington.