Health Alert: Tips to Prevent Meningococcal Disease Outbreak in UK

Health Warning Issued for Meningococcal Disease Outbreak Among UK Travellers

The Foreign Office has recently released an urgent health warning regarding the outbreak of Meningococcal disease among British travellers returning to the United Kingdom. Specifically, individuals who have been on the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia have been affected by this infectious disease.

Travel Health Pro, which is supported by the Foreign Office, reported a total of 14 cases of the invasive infection, with three cases identified in the UK. Other affected countries include the United States, France, Norway, and the Netherlands. The disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis and can lead to meningitis, a serious condition that causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Meningococcal disease progresses rapidly and can be fatal, with a mortality rate of up to 15%. It is most commonly seen in children under one year old, teenagers, young adults aged 16 to 23, and individuals aged 65 and older. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light.

Preventive measures recommended by the health ministry to avoid the disease include wearing masks, maintaining proper hand hygiene, and ensuring that food is thoroughly cooked. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has stated that the risk of European Hajj pilgrims contracting communicable diseases is low due to Saudi Arabia's vaccination requirements and health hazard management plans.

Increased Cases of Meningococcal Disease Prompt Alert by Foreign Office

A recent alert has been issued by the Foreign Office as more cases of meningococcal disease have been identified in individuals returning to the UK from Saudi Arabia. The Travel Health Pro website reported a total of 14 cases of the deadly disease, with three cases found in the UK.

Meningococcal disease, which can lead to meningitis and septicaemia, is a severe bacterial infection that progresses rapidly. Approximately one in ten individuals affected by the disease may succumb to it. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, neck stiffness, altered mental state, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.

Meningococcal sepsis, also known as meningococcemia, is characterized by fever, rash, septic shock, and multiple organ failure. The case-fatality ratio of meningococcemia can be as high as 40%, and survivors may experience neurological or hearing impairments.

The Ministry of Health has issued recommendations for pilgrims attending the Hajj, including wearing face masks, practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and refraining from consuming unpasteurized milk or raw meat. Additionally, travellers are advised to take measures to prevent insect bites and avoid contact with camels in certain environments.