Urgent Health Warning Issued by the Foreign Office: Meningococcal Disease Among British Travellers
The Foreign Office has issued an urgent health warning after three British travellers were diagnosed
with meningococcal disease upon their return to the UK.
Infection Cases Among Travellers
The warning highlights that 14 cases of this invasive infection have been reported among travellers to
Saudi Arabia. The breakdown of cases is as follows:
- UK:** 3 cases
- US:** 5 cases
- France:** 4 cases
- Norway:** 1 case
- Netherlands:** 1 case
Those diagnosed had recently returned from the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, according to Travel Health
Pro, a website supported by the Foreign Office.
About Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease, caused by the bacterium *Neisseria meningitidis*, can lead to meningitis, which is an
inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
- **Severity:**
The disease progresses rapidly and can be fatal, with a mortality rate of up to 15%.
- **Vulnerable Groups:**
It is most common in:
- Children under one year old
- Teenagers and young adults aged 16 to 23
- Adults aged 65 and older
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- - Fever
- - Headache
- - Stiff neck
- - Nausea
- - Vomiting
- - Confusion
- - Photophobia (increased sensitivity to light)
Symptoms can initially be mistaken for flu but rapidly become more severe.
Preventative Measures
The health ministry has provided guidelines to prevent the disease. Recommendations include:
- - Wearing masks
- - Washing hands regularly
- - Ensuring food is fully cooked
Risk Assessment by Health Authorities ✋👀
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) stated that the likelihood of European Hajj pilgrims
contracting communicable diseases is "considered to be low" due to Saudi Arabia's stringent vaccination requirements
and preparedness plans for managing health hazards.
However, the ECDC noted that the risk of outbreaks remains highest for respiratory, waterborne, food-borne, and
vector-borne diseases, as is common with other mass gathering events.
Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to ensure your health and safety.