Meningitis: Dr Hilary outlines the main symptoms Brits are being urged to be careful as a potentially deadly disease has been detected in travellers returning home. According to Travel Health Pro , which is supported by the Foreign Office, a total of 14 cases of meningococcal disease have been confirmed in people leaving Saudi Arabia , including some from the UK. Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), which is a major cause of meningitis and septicaemia, kills between eight and 15 percent of those infected.
The bacteria invade the body, causing an acute severe bacterial infection. As of June 21, the United States had reported five cases, France had four, the UK had three, and Norway and the Netherlands each had one case. They were found in travellers or contacts of travellers who returned from the Umrah pilgrimage - the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
READ MORE Grandfather felt like body was ‘collapsing’ after he's struck by Dengue fever Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been detected in people returning from Saudi Arabia (Image: Getty Images) The bacteria is spread between humans through coughing , sneezing, kissing or during close contact with a carrier. Travel Health Pro states that carriers do not have symptoms, but can develop disease when bacteria invade the bloodstream from the area at the back of the nose and throat. The website explains: “Invasive disease is a rare but serious outcome usually presenting as septicaemia (blood poisoning) or meningitis (inf.