Health Alert – US Consulate General Jeddah (May 23, 2024)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 1 Travel Health Advisory for Saudi Arabia: Meningococcal Disease in Saudi Arabia – Vaccination Requirements for Travel During the Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages.
Important points
- The Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia is one of the largest mass gatherings in the world. In 2024, Hajj will take place from June 14th to 19th. In addition, the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca can take place all year round.
- Mass gatherings such as Hajj or Umrah can increase the risk of infections such as meningococcal disease.
- In 2024, there were reports of meningococcal disease in travelers who were in Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
- Before traveling to Saudi Arabia, you should be up to date on all routine and travel-related vaccinations, including the meningococcal vaccine.
- Saudi Arabia requires all travelers aged one year and above who are traveling for the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage proof that they have received a quadrivalent (ACWY) meningococcal vaccine in the last 3-5 years (depending on vaccine type) and at least 10 days before the planned trip. This vaccine is recommended to protect against meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W and Y.
- Visit a travel health professional or healthcare professional 4-6 weeks prior to travel to obtain specific advice regarding your destination and this event.
- You should See a doctor immediately If you experience fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea or vomiting during or after the trip.
- Keep an eye on U.S. State Department travel advisories and warnings and consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Information for travelers
Information for doctors
For help contact:
US Embassy Riyadh
Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout No. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Phone: (966) (11) 835-4000
Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670
[email protected]
US Consulate General Jeddah
Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near the new American School building
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Phone: (966) (12) 220-5000
Fax: (966) (12) 220-5093
[email protected]
US Consulate General Dhahran
On King Saud bin Abdulaziz Road, at the corner of Salaheddin al Ayoubi Street and Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Street
Phone: (966) (13) 839-5700
[email protected]
U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Country information about Saudi Arabia
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety alerts
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Meningococcal disease in Saudi Arabia – vaccination requirements for travel during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
