Health officials have issued an urgent alert after a potentially deadly form of meningitis was confirmed in the UK — with all recent cases linked to travel to Saudi Arabia.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed five cases of Meningitis W between February and March this year, sparking fresh concerns among public health experts.
According to the agency, all patients had either recently returned from the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca or were in close contact with family members who had. The pilgrimage, known as Umrah, draws millions of worshippers each year, creating conditions where infectious diseases can spread rapidly.
Meningitis W is a serious bacterial infection that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It spreads primarily through close contact with an infected person — typically via coughing, sneezing or kissing — and can cause life-threatening complications if not treated quickly.
Early symptoms are often flu-like, but the disease can rapidly progress to septicaemia (blood poisoning), which may lead to brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, or even death. Survivors are sometimes left with lifelong disabilities, including limb amputations.
Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, issued a stark warning: “Vaccination is essential for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia, particularly given recent cases among UK returnees and their families.
“Meningococcal disease can be fatal and may leave survivors with serious lifelong conditions including hearing loss, brain damage and limb amputations.”
Health officials are strongly urging Britons — especially those planning to visit Saudi Arabia — to make sure they are vaccinated with the MenACWY jab, which protects against four types of the meningococcal bacteria, including group W.
The vaccine should be administered at least ten days before travel to ensure immunity. It is routinely offered to teenagers aged 14 in the UK, and available to anyone up to age 25 who has never received the jab before.
Dr Ladhani also advised vigilance upon return from travel: “Pilgrims should remain vigilant for symptoms like sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, or rash.
“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.”
As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can include muscle and joint pain, chest or abdominal pain, a dark purple rash, and rapid breathing.
Dr Sahira Dar, President of the British Islamic Medical Association, echoed the concerns, stressing the importance of vaccination during pilgrimage season: “Millions of people gather in close proximity during the pilgrimages, in accommodation, and on public transport, increasing the risk of contracting infectious diseases like meningitis.”
The MenACWY vaccine offers vital protection against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y, and health bodies are urging eligible travellers to get protected before departure.
Meningitis W is just one of seven types of meningococcal bacteria that can cause the disease, and currently accounts for around seven percent of all UK cases.
