The UK Health Security Agency has reminded people travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for Umrah and the upcoming Hajj pilgrimages to ensure they are vaccinated against meningococcal disease with the MenACWY vaccine.

This is due to ongoing outbreaks of serogroup W (MenW) disease associated with travel to KSA, the UKHSA said.

Each year, between two and three million Muslims take part in the Hajj pilgramage to Mecca each year. This year, Hajj is expected to fall between 4 June and 9 June.

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And many others will perform Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca that can take place at any time of the year.

Travellers to Saudi Arabia will be required to present a valid certificate of MenACWY vaccination issued between 10 days and 3 to 5 years before arrival, depending on the type of MenACWY vaccine previously received, the UKHSA said.

But it suggested that travellers should consider receiving the quadrivalent meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccine, as per advice from World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Dr Sahira Dar, president of the British Islamic Medical Association, said the 'close proximity' with 'millions of people' during pilgrim rites, at accommodation sites and on public transport placed travellers at 'a much higher risk of contracting infectious diseases such as meningitis'.

'We highly recommend that everyone going on Hajj and Umrah receive their MenACWY vaccine which could protect them and their loved ones back home,' she added.

Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, described the vaccination as 'essential', 'particularly given recent cases among UK returnees and their families'.

Between February and March 2025, five cases of MenW disease have been confirmed in England and Wales among people who had recently returned from KSA or their close contacts.

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'Meningococcal disease can be fatal and may leave survivors with serious lifelong conditions including hearing loss, brain damage and limb amputations,' Dr Ladhani said.

She told those planning to make the pilgrimage to ensure that they were vaccinated 'at least ten days before travel'.

And she said they should 'remain vigilant for symptoms like sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, or rash' during or after their trip.

'If you or anyone at home becomes unwell with any symptoms of meningitis within two weeks of returning from Saudi Arabia, contact your GP or NHS 111, mentioning your recent travel history, or dial 999 in case of emergency,' Dr Ladhani said.

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The UKHSA also advised travellers to reduce their risk of contracting Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) by:

  • avoiding consuming raw or undercooked animal products
  • avoiding contact with camels and animal waste
  • practicing good hygiene, particularly washing hands after visiting farms, barns or markets