Hajj Pilgrims Warned To Take The Threat Of Meningitis Seriously

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 21 Oct 2007 - 5:00 PDT

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Over 2 million pilgrims from all over the world are expected to arrive in Makkah, Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj pilgrimage within the next few weeks.

The Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (A.B.H) has extended its full support to the strict guidelines issued by the Saudi Health Ministry which requires that all Hajj & Umrah visitors must be vaccinated against meningitis. The certificate of vaccination against Meningococcal Meningitis is also a requirement to obtain visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

The certificate must have been issued not more than three years and not less than ten days before arrival to Saudi Arabia. Adults and children over the age of two years must receive the vaccination against meningococcal meningitis with the quadrivalent vaccine (serogroups A, C, Y and W135). Children between 3 months and 2 years of age must be given two doses of the A vaccine with a 3-month interval between the two doses.

A.B.H has been vigorously campaigning to raise awareness of the real risk of meningitis amongst British Hajj & Umrah pilgrims following the tragic deaths of over 20 British Hajj pilgrims due to meningitis outbreak in recent years. Senior doctors from A.B.H have issued a strong warning to all the prospective British Hajj & Umrah pilgrims that meningitis it is a killer disease therefore, they must take this threat seriously.

Pilgrims are also warned that they can be checked at the Saudi airports by the Saudi authorities to ensure that they are vaccinated and so they must carry their vaccination certificate with them at all times during their visit. Suspect cases shall be isolated and preventive measures will be taken in respect of their direct contacts.

The Association of British Hujjaj (pilgrims) UK is the only National Hajj & Umrah specific organisation working for the welfare and wellbeing of the British Hajj & Umrah pilgrims and overseas travellers.

Association of British Hujjaj

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