Health chiefs have warned of a surge in a lethal flu-like bacterial disease that can lead to permanent disability and even rapid death. 

Meningitis W, an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, has been detected in those travelling to the UK from the Middle East.

The five cases, confirmed between February and March, had all either recently returned from an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, or had family members who had, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The deadly condition spreads primarily by droplets from the nose and mouth through close contact with the infected person, such as by coughing, sneezing or kissing.

Symptoms can initially appear flu like, but without rapid treatment can cause life-threatening septicemia, otherwise known as blood poisoning.

Within hours this can trigger complications including brain damage, seizures and even death.

Officials have urged Britons to ensure they’ve received the meningitis vaccine to prevent against infection, especially those planning a trip to Saudi Arabia.

Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: ‘Vaccination is essential for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia, particularly given recent cases among UK returnees and their families. 

UK Health Security Agency officials said all patients had recently returned from from Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, or had family members who had

‘Meningococcal disease [the medical term for meningitis] can be fatal and may leave survivors with serious lifelong conditions including hearing loss, brain damage and limb amputations.

‘Pilgrims should ensure vaccination at least ten days before travel and remain vigilant for symptoms like sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, or rash. 

‘If you or anyone at home becomes unwell with any symptoms of meningitis within two weeks of returning from Saudi Arabia, contact your GP or NHS 111, mentioning your recent travel history, or dial 999 in case of emergency.’

Dr Sahira Dar, President of the British Islamic Medical Association, added: ‘Millions of people gather in close proximity during the pilgrimages, in accommodation, and on public transport, increasing the risk of contracting infectious diseases like meningitis.’

The association ‘highly recommends’ anyone attending the pilgrimages get the meningitis vaccine — known medically as the MenACWY vaccine — she added. 

Muslim pilgrims make trips to Mecca throughout the year to receive blessings.

Some also undertake a larger pilgrimage, known as the Hajj pilgrimage, at least once in their lifetime, which this year will take place from June 4 to June 9.

UKHSA officials said several Meningitis W cases throughout 2024 were known to have had recent travel to the Middle East, with similar cases also identified in France and the US. 

MenW is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It can often live harmlessly in the back of the throat without causing illness

Latest World Health Organization (WHO) data also shows there have been 11 confirmed cases of the infection in Saudi Arabia between January 7 and March 12 — all in pilgrims.

Meningitis W is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which can often live harmlessly in the back of the throat without causing illness.

But in some cases, it ‘invades’ the body’s defences, leading to invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and septicaemia. 

Research suggests IMD has a fatality rate of 8 to 15 per cent, meaning it can kill around 1 in 10 people it infects.

Symptoms can initially appear flu like, with patients suffering a fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea or drowsiness.

But as it invades the defenses of the body and spreads into the brain through the bloodstream, symptoms quickly become more severe. 

Signs the infection has spread include severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest, or abdomen, a dark purple rash and rapid breathing. 

One in five survivors will have long-term disabilities, such as brain damage, deafness, loss of limbs and nervous system problems. 

Meningitis W is one of seven different meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis. 

These are A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z, with Meningitis B accounting for roughly 80 per cent of all cases each year. 

Meningitis W, by comparison, is thought to account for around 7 per cent of all UK cases. 

The MenACWY vaccine offers protection against 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis: meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.

It is offered to teenagers aged 14 years old as well as people up to the age of 25 who have never had a meningitis vaccine before.