Cases of Meningococcal Disease Associated with Travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah Pilgrimage — United States, United Kingdom, and France, 2024
Madhura S. Vachon, Anne‐Sophie Barret, Jay Lucidarme, John Neatherlin, Amy B. Rubis, Rebecca L. Howie, Shalabh Sharma, Daya Marasini, Basanta R. Wagle, P Keating, Mike Antwi, Judy Chen, Tingting Gu-Templin, Pamala Gahr, Jennifer Zipprich, Franny M. Dorr, Karen Kuguru, Sarah Lee, Umme‐Aiman Halai, Brittany Martin, Jeremy Budd, Ziad A. Memish, Abdullah M. Assiri, Noha H. Farag, Muhamed‐Kheir Taha, Ala‐Eddine Deghmane, Laura Zanetti, Rémi Lefrançois, S. A. Clark, Ray Borrow, Shamez Ladhani, Helen Campbell, Mary Ramsay, LeAnne M. Fox, Lucy A. McNamara
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused by infection with the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, usually manifests as meningitis or septicemia and can be severe and life-threatening (1). Six serogroups (A, B, C, W, X, and Y) account for most cases (2). N. meningitidis is transmitted person-to-person via respiratory droplets and oropharyngeal secretions. Asymptomatic persons can carry N. meningitidis and transmit the bacteria to others, potentially causing illness among susceptible persons. Outbreaks can occur in conjunction with large gatherings (3,4). Vaccines are available to prevent meningococcal disease. Antibiotic prophylaxis for close contacts of infected persons is critical to preventing secondary cases (2).