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Cases of Meningococcal Disease Associated with Travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah Pilgrimage - United States, United Kingdom, and France, 2024

Madhura S Vachon et al. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. .

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).

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors have completed and submitted the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. Jay Lucidarme, Stephen A. Clark, and Ray Borrow report performing contract research on behalf of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for GSK, Pfizer, and Sanofi. Muhamed-Kheir Taha reports performing contract research on behalf of the Institut Pasteur for GSK, Pfizer, and Sanofi. Shamez N. Ladhani reports performing contract research on behalf of the UKHSA and St. George’s University of London for GSK, Pfizer, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and Sanofi. Helen Campbell and Mary Ramsay report receipt of a recovery charge by the Immunisation and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Division at UKHSA for provision to vaccine manufacturers (GSK, Pfizer, and Sanofi) of postmarketing surveillance reports on meningococcal, Haemophilus influenzae, and pneumococcal infections, which are required by the U.K. Licensing Authority in compliance with their risk management strategy. Jennifer Zipprich reports that her spouse is employed by Pfizer. No other potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Figures

FIGURE
FIGURE
Dates of symptom onset and Umrah-related travel among nine patients who had received positive test results for invasive meningococcal disease after travel to Saudi Arabia — United States, United Kingdom, and France, March–May 2024 * Culture date is indicated for one patient for whom reported onset date reflected symptoms unrelated to meningococcal disease. The travel dates for index travelers are shown for cases that occurred among persons who were close contacts of travelers. † Exact travel and onset dates were unavailable for three patients.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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