Invasive meningococcal disease (meningitis) in Saudi Arabia
25 Apr 2025
The World Health Organization has reported 17 cases of invasive meningococcal disease in pilgrims while they were in Saudi Arabia or after they have returned to their home countries.
Invasive meningococcal disease is an acute infectious disease, caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides that can cause serious systemic infection including meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). It is spread through sneezing, coughing or direct contact with respiratory fluids.
Advice to travellers
A key requirement for travel to Saudi Arabia is that all travellers must receive the MenACWY vaccine before departing from their home country for Umrah and Hajj. All pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah are required to show proof of immunisation against meningococcal meningitis.
The risk of becoming infected for most travellers is low, particularly if you are travelling on a package holiday. The risk increases if you are to a region with an ongoing epidemic and you:
- plan having close, prolonged contact with the local population
- plan to visit overcrowded areas such as busy market places, or use public transport
- plan to attend a mass gathering event
- have a condition that affects your immune system
If you are travelling to an area affected by a meningitis outbreak, you should be aware of the risk of meningococcal disease, how it is transmitted, and try to:
- avoid overcrowded areas (where possible)
- pay strict attention to your respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene measures
See the fitfortravel Meningococcal Meningitis page and the Hajj & Umrah page for further information on the disease.