UKHSA Briefing Note – 2025/019 Pilgrims returning from the Hajj/Umrah: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and invasive meningococcal disease (IMD)
The Hajj is taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from 04 to 09 June 2025. This is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and many pilgrims from around the world are expected to travel there, including from the UK. Millions also travel to KSA throughout the rest of the year to undertake Umrah pilgrimage.
UK travel advice for KSA is published here, with information from the Saudi Ministry of Health on health aspects of the Hajj here.
Clinicians are reminded that travellers to the Hajj and Umrah are exposed both to infections endemic to KSA, and infections associated with mass gatherings. Clinicians should discuss appropriate tests with their local infection services if required. Pilgrims returning from KSA frequently have respiratory symptoms after their visit. Some may therefore meet the case definitions for MERS-CoV, warranting further investigations and management. Clinicians should familiarise themselves with the case definitions, the public health investigations and management for suspected MERS-CoV cases, and testing arrangements. They should also follow local or national guidance on and the measures for infection prevention and control while waiting for test results and if subsequently a positive diagnosis is made.
Healthcare staff involved in the provision of travel advice are reminded that pilgrims are required to have received MenACWY vaccine at least 10 days prior to travel as part of the Hajj/ Umrah visa. This requirement should be highlighted to travellers seeking advice before Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage and MenACWY vaccination should be offered. MenACWY vaccination is highly effective against MenACWY disease and helps prevent carriage of these bacteria thereby additionally offering protection to close contacts during travel and after returning home.
Front-line clinicians are reminded that both MERS-CoV and invasive meningococcal disease are notifiable diseases, and where suspected should be reported urgently to their local Health Protection Team.