Multiple holiday spots including the US are at risk of “potential exposure” to a “life-threatening” infection called meningococcal disease, likely transmitted through travelers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In ECDC’s latest report, 14 cases of the deadly infection are reported – France (4), the United Kingdom (3), the United States (5), Norway (1), and the Netherlands (1).

Cases of ‘deadly’ infection in the US and more regions

Travelers or those in contact with travelers who returned from Saudi Arabia tested positive for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes it as a “serious” infection caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. There are two common types of the said infection – meningitis and bloodstream infections.

While meningitis affects the lining of the brain and spinal cord, causing swelling, a meningococcal bloodstream infection damages the blood vessels, thus making the skin and organs bleed.

Both types of infection can display varied symptoms including sudden fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, irritability, and more health consequences.

CDC warns: “Meningococcal disease is serious and can be deadly in hours” and “Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are important.” The best preventive measure is meningococcal vaccination. Upon infection, the patient is treated with antibiotics right away as it reportedly helps reduce the risk of dying.

Depending on the intensity of meningococcal disease, some people require additional medical intervention such as breathing support, medication to treat low blood pressure, and surgery to remove dead tissue.

‘Potential risk’ isn’t ruled out

Millions of people from different parts of the world attended the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, which took place between June 14 and 19.

ECDC recommends vaccinations for the deadly infection at least 10 days before departure. Cases reported in recent weeks are among travelers or those who came in contact with travelers to the Middle Eastern region.

Even though one case reported in the Netherlands “itself did not join on the travelers”, ECDC says “it is not possible to rule out other potential exposures.”

“The risk of infection is considered to be moderate for people with underlying conditions, the elderly, and pregnant women, with a moderate probability of infection and moderate impact. As with other mass gathering events, the risk of communicable disease outbreaks is highest for respiratory, food-, waterborne, and vector-borne diseases,” it states.

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