RIYADH, 23 December 2004 — The Ministry of Health has advised local pilgrims to have themselves vaccinated against meningitis 10 days before embarking on their pilgrimage.
“Pilgrims should take the injection at least 10 days prior to their departure to the holy cities since immunity against the disease will be effective only after 10 days from the day of the injection,” Director of Health Education and Supervisor of Healthy Cities Program in the Ministry of Health Hamad K. Al-Khowailed told Arab News. The vaccination is good for three years, he added.
Explaining the seriousness of meningitis, Al-Khowailed pointed out that it may spread during Haj season causing outbreaks especially because of a good number of pilgrims come from endemic areas such as central Africa. He added that congestion and overcrowding lead to easy transmission of the disease.
The vaccine is given to adults and children above two. It is not administered on pregnant women. The vaccination is available free in all primary health centers. It is also available in private clinics at modest charges.
Passport authorities issue Haj permits to expatriates only after they verify vaccination certificates against meningitis from any of the recognized clinics or hospitals. Foreign pilgrims have to take the meningitis jab in their home countries. Arrangements have also been made at all entry points to give the dose to those who miss the vaccination in their homeland.
Al-Khowailed said meningitis is an infection which can be passed on through droplets of saliva or mucus. Common symptoms include continuous fever, headache, stiff neck, skin rash and frequent vomiting. Eventually the patient will enter into a coma and it could be fatal if proper medical treatment is not given at the initial stage of the disease, the director said.
He advised the pilgrims to carry a handkerchief or tissue to cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze or cough. “This helps to control the spread of the disease,” he added.
