Umrah Pilgrims Infected with Invasive Meningococcal Disease

Over the years, meningococcal disease has remained a global public health concern, particularly in mass gatherings such as the Hajj and Umrah. 

As of March 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) health authorities estimated that only 54% of international Umrah pilgrims had complied with the meningococcal vaccination requirements. 

Umrah is a year-round pilgrimage to Mecca in western Saudi Arabia, attended by millions of people.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) DON563, the International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point (NFP) for the KSA reported 11 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) as of March 13, 2025.

Additionally, between early February and March 18, 2025, the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional IHR contact point received reports of six isolated cases of IMD.

These cases involve individuals who had recently returned from Umrah.

The significant number of pilgrims traveling to KSA from countries with varying levels of meningococcal disease incidence presents a risk of international spread during these gatherings.

Given the recent notification of these cases linked to Umrah, WHO strongly advises all individuals planning to attend mass gatherings such as Hajj and Umrah to receive vaccination against meningococcal disease at least ten days before travel.

The government of Saudi Arabia regularly issues health requirements for the Hajj and Umrah, including vaccination policies. Based on the information available for the current event, the WHO does not recommend any restriction on travel and/or trade to the KSA.

In addition to meningococcal, the U.S. CDC recommends that visitors to the KSA in April 2025 consider routine and travel vaccinations such as measles and yellow fever, available at travel clinics and pharmacies.