RIYADH, 9 December 2006 — The Ministry of Health reiterated to local Haj pilgrims that they should be vaccinated against meningitis just like incoming Hajis are required to do. The ministry also advised them to take flu shots, which are not compulsory, before they depart for pilgrimage.
“Pilgrims should take the dose against meningitis at least 10 days prior to their departure to the holy cities,” said ministry spokesman Dr. Khaled Al-Mirghalani.
The meningitis vaccine is widely available free of charge at state hospitals. Private clinics also offer the vaccine for a small fee.
The meningitis vaccine is given to adults and children over two years of age and it is not administered to pregnant women.
Symptoms of the infection, caused by the spread of the Neisseria meningitides bacterium, include fever, vomiting, intense headaches, skin rashes, stiff necks and/or aversion to bright lights.
The bacteria are spread through bodily fluids, but are not as contagious as viral infections, such as the flu.
The Ministry of Health points out that the infection is not spread by simply breathing the air around a carrier, but can be transmitted through saliva when a person sneezes or coughs. It can take a couple of days after infection for the symptoms to appear.
“Persons with these symptoms should get medical attention right away,” said Al-Mirghalani.
This form of meningitis is fatal in 10 percent of cases and is more likely to kill the very young or elderly.
Al-Mirghalani also said that the ministry has stocked 400,000 polio drops for pilgrims who have not taken these doses from their countries of origin. Polio vaccination was made compulsory for pilgrims from India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghanistan.
“Pregnant pilgrims and pilgrims with immune system complications are exempt from this requirement,” said the spokesman.
The last case of polio in Saudi Arabia was in 1995, but government officials are wary of another outbreak caused by pilgrims from higher-risk countries.
