Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) persists as a significant health risk for Hajj pilgrims due to its easy transmission in the crowded settings of Umrah. [
Trop Med Infect Dis 2019;4(4):127] Meningococcal vaccination is the most effective method for the prevention of IMD and is required by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to protect all pilgrims. [
https://tinyurl.com/2uj29uta,
https://tinyurl.com/yz4uhkhp] Vaccination policy implementation faces challenges such as low uptake in certain sectors and difficulties verifying vaccination status among the large, diverse pilgrim population, resulting in coverage gaps that enable disease outbreaks. [
Mass Gathering Medicine 2025;3:100019]
IMD is caused by
Neisseria meningitidis, a highly infectious bacteria transmitted via respiratory droplets and saliva. Close contact with an infected individual raises the risk of transmission, and the infection frequently leads to meningitis. [
https://tinyurl.com/2uj29uta] Symptoms of bloodstream infections include fever, chills, fatigue, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, and severe pain in the muscles, joints, chest or stomach area. Symptoms may escalate quickly, restricting the window for medical intervention. Further, even with treatment, up to 15 percent of patients die from the disease while 20 percent experience long-term complications such as brain damage, deafness, kidney damage, loss of limb/s or problems related to the nervous system. [
https://tinyurl.com/ycyjts93]
Sanofi in partnership with a tour agency organised an educational workshop to raise awareness of IMD recently. Speaking at the workshop, Dr Adilah Haludin said: “Invasive meningococcal disease is a threat to all pilgrims, especially the elderly and immunocompromised as they face a higher risk of serious complications.” [
https://tinyurl.com/mrj9wc8n] She added that despite the risk of death and a history of outbreaks among pilgrims, many remain unaware of this disease and how to protect themselves and others, as studies have revealed a high rate of infection amongst unvaccinated family members. [
Trop Med Infect Dis 2019;4(4):127,
Int J Infect Dis 2016;47:65-70] Hence, Adilah emphasised on awareness of IMD prevention and the importance of the meningococcal vaccine.
Pilgrims are urged to comply with the healthcare advisories by the KSA, which requires proof of meningococcal vaccination at least 10 days prior to arrival. Those who had taken the vaccine more than 5 years ago are required to take the vaccine again. [
https://tinyurl.com/yz4uhkhp] To ensure that vaccination and other requirements have been met, all pilgrims preparing for Umrah are advised to check with official sources online as well as their travel providers.
Hui Thian Chia, Head of Operations Vaccines at Sanofi Malaysia and Singapore, said: “Each Umrah season, thousands of Malaysian pilgrims embark on this spiritual journey and, amidst the many preparations, the threat of invasive meningococcal disease is easily overlooked. At Sanofi, we firmly believe that education and empowerment is the foundation for health and wellbeing. With this in mind, our ‘Cegah Dulu, Ready for Umrah’ campaign is part of our long-term vision to emphasise the value of preventive measures like vaccination.”
