The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah urged all local Hajj pilgrims to get vaccinated ten days before beginning their pilgrimage, Makkah newspaper reported.
Both the flu and menigitis are quickly spread in close quarters and have the potential to be deadly. As people come from all over the world to participate in the pilgrimages, and stay in tight accommodations, the risk for a communicable disease spreading quickly is very high.
Last year, over 100 people in Iran died from swine flu.
In 2000, over 200 people reported cases of meningitis after participating in the Hajj. The WHO conducted an investigation, and Saudi officials confirmed that the Zamzam well was not the source of the outbreak.
A source said the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah demanded all pilgrim service companies and Tawafa establishments to ensure that all of their pilgrims have taken the tetra vaccine and flu shots.
“The Ministry of Health pointed out that meningitis is spreading in African countries. The influenza virus is also active this time of year locally and internationally. Pilgrims must now submit a vaccination certificate that shows that they were vaccinated ten days before entering the holy places,” said the source.
Editor's note: This article has been edited from the original.
