CDC advises meningococcal disease vaccination prior to travel for Hajj.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is alerting physicians to remain vigilant for potentially fatal cases of meningococcal disease associated with travel to Saudi Arabia.

Since April, there have been 12 confirmed cases of meningococcal disease linked to travel for Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad in Saudi Arabia. Umrah trips are undertaken by followers of the Muslim faith year-round to seek blessings. Additionally, Muslims perform a more elaborate pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, at least once in their lifetime during a specific time of year. This year's Hajj falls between June 14 and 19.

Among those affected, five pilgrims were from the United States, four from France, and three from the United Kingdom. Ten individuals had visited Mecca directly, while two had close contact with someone who had.

Meningococcal disease is highly transmissible among individuals who have not been vaccinated. Of the patients with known vaccination status, nine were not vaccinated.

Meningococcal disease, including meningitis, is a rare condition caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to infections in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, resulting in long-term health complications such as memory and concentration issues, seizures, balance problems, hearing loss, and blindness. Additionally, the disease can progress to a severe blood infection known as septicemia or blood poisoning.