Deadly Meningitis W warning issued in UK from Saudi Arabia | UK | News | EUROtoday

Health officers have issued an pressing alert after a probably lethal type of meningitis was confirmed within the UK — with all latest circumstances linked to journey to Saudi Arabia.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed 5 circumstances of Meningitis W between February and March this 12 months, sparking recent issues amongst public well being specialists.

According to the company, all sufferers had both not too long ago returned from the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca or had been in shut contact with relations who had. The pilgrimage, generally known as Umrah, attracts hundreds of thousands of worshippers every year, creating situations the place infectious illnesses can unfold quickly.

Meningitis W is a severe bacterial an infection that impacts the protecting membranes surrounding the mind and spinal wire. It spreads primarily by shut contact with an contaminated particular person — sometimes by way of coughing, sneezing or kissing — and may trigger life-threatening problems if not handled rapidly.

Early signs are sometimes flu-like, however the illness can quickly progress to septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can result in mind injury, listening to loss, seizures, and even dying. Survivors are typically left with lifelong disabilities, together with limb amputations.

Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, issued a stark warning: “Vaccination is important for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia, significantly given latest circumstances amongst UK returnees and their households.

“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 anybody at residence turns into unwell with any signs of meningitis inside two weeks of getting back from Saudi Arabia, contact your GP or NHS 111, mentioning your latest journey historical past, or dial 999 in case of emergency.”

As the illness progresses, extra extreme signs can embrace muscle and joint ache, chest or stomach ache, a darkish purple rash, and speedy respiratory.

Dr Sahira Dar, President of the British Islamic Medical Association, echoed the issues, stressing the significance of vaccination throughout 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 gives important safety in opposition to meningococcal teams A, C, W and Y, and well being our bodies are urging eligible travellers to get protected earlier than departure.

Meningitis W is only one of seven sorts of meningococcal micro organism that may trigger the illness, and presently accounts for round seven % of all UK circumstances.