BRITAIN’s health security agency has urged pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah to get vaccinated against meningococcal disease, following a small number of recent cases in the country linked to travel.
Between February and March, five people in England and Wales developed MenW, a type of meningococcal infection, after either visiting Saudi Arabia or having close contact with someone who had, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.
While rare, the disease can be life-threatening and may cause severe complications such as brain damage, hearing loss or limb amputation.
Hajj and Umrah pilgrims are required to show proof of a valid MenACWY vaccination when arriving in Saudi Arabia. The certificate must be issued between 10 days and three to five years before arrival, depending on the vaccine used.
Health officials also advised that all travellers consider getting the jab due to the ongoing MenW outbreak.
Symptoms often start like flu, but may include a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, rash, drowsiness, or seizures. Travellers are advised to be alert for symptoms while abroad and for two weeks after returning to the UK. Anyone feeling unwell should seek immediate medical help and mention their travel history.
Dr Shamez Ladhani, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “The MenACWY vaccine is essential for anyone heading to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, especially given the recent cases. It protects not just the traveller but those around them.”
In addition to meningitis, UKHSA is advising travellers to be aware of the risk of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Though the risk to UK visitors is low, pilgrims should take precautions such as avoiding contact with camels, not eating raw or undercooked meat, and practising good hand hygiene, especially after visiting farms or markets.
Travellers who develop fever, cough, or breathing problems within two weeks of returning should speak to a GP or NHS 111 and mention their recent trip and any possible exposure to animals or healthcare settings in the region, a statement said.
Sir Anwar cutting the cake during Bestway group’s 32nd annual charity day last Friday (20)
King Charles and Queen Camilla at Royal Ascot
Lord Tariq Ahmad
Lord Jitesh Gadhia and Lord Zameer Choudrey
Guests at the Pavilion restaurant
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)