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CDC HAN: Meningococcal disease cases linked to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): Ensure pilgrims are current on meningococcal vaccination

The Health Alert Network (HAN) is the CDC’s primary method of sharing cleared information about urgent public health incidents. Public Health – Seattle & King County shares select HAN alerts to raise awareness and provide guidance on how to report suspected or confirmed cases.


May 20, 2024
Meningococcal Disease Cases Linked to Travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): Ensure Pilgrims are Current on Meningococcal Vaccination


Actions requested

  • Immediately report suspected or confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease to Public Health at (206) 296-4774.
  • Ensure patients are up to date on recommended meningococcal vaccines especially for younger children and adults at increased risk including persons with HIV, and for persons traveling or residing in countries in which serogroup A, C, W or Y meningococcal disease is common.
  • Be alert to the possibility of meningococcal disease among all persons and start immediate antibiotic treatment for persons with suspected meningococcal disease.
  • Increases in invasive meningococcal disease have not been detected in King County.  In 2023, one case of meningococcal disease, serogroup Y was reported in King County, and no cases have been reported so far in 2024. No cases linked to travel to KSA have been detected in King County. 
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