Urgent alert issued as illness that can kill within 24 hours found in travelers returning to UK

UK travelers returning from trips abroad are being warned about a potentially lethal bacteria that can cause death within hours. Three people have been confirmed positive for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) after returning to the UK from Saudi Arabia.

IMD is associated with a rare strain of bacteria, known as meningococcal bacteria, which infiltrates the nervous system and can lead to two major fatal diseases. The first is meningitis, which kills about 10 percent of those infected and leaves many others disabled. Immediate medical attention is required if a positive diagnosis of meningitis is made, as the disease is known to progress rapidly.

Meningococcal bacteria can also induce septicemia, a severe form of blood poisoning usually caused by the bacteria or their toxins. It is essential to remember that anyone diagnosed with IMD can develop both meningitis and septicemia at the same time, the Mirror reports.

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Since April, 12 cases of IMD have been reported, all linked to travel for the Islamic Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This journey is seen as a spiritual journey for Muslims, giving them the opportunity to pray, receive blessings and seek forgiveness from God in what is considered the holiest place for Muslims.

Umrah, a minor pilgrimage compared to the major Hajj pilgrimage required of all Muslims at least once in their lifetime, can be undertaken at any time. Instead, the Hajj is usually observed in June or July.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control reported that two of the pilgrims who tested positive for IMD were from the UK, four from France and five from the US. Ten had been in Mecca, while two had been in close contact with an infected person.

Warnings are now being issued to travelers to ensure they are vaccinated, especially those planning to visit Hajj and Umrah areas this year. The disease is highly contagious among unvaccinated people, with most of those infected not having the vaccine.

People are also advised to watch out for symptoms, which can develop quickly. Signs of meningitis may include:

There are five primary strains of meningococcus that cause disease in the UK: MenA, MenB, MenC, MenW and MenY. According to Meningitis Now, MenB accounts for the majority of cases in the UK.

The charity also said around 10% of the population carry meningococcal bacteria in the back of their throat or nose at any one time. Although usually harmless, when an infection occurs, the bacteria can overcome the body’s immune system.

Babies and young children are among the high-risk groups for meningitis, with teenagers and young adults also at risk. Initial symptoms may mimic those of the flu, but usually get worse quickly.

It is essential that anyone showing signs of illness is taken to hospital immediately.