Meningitis alert as seven die after Mecca pilgrimage

Health chiefs in Britain have issued a meningitis alert after the deaths of seven pilgrims to Mecca.

So far 29 people in England and Wales have fallen ill with the W135 meningococcal infection.

The Department of Health is urging all GPs and health authorities to be vigilant for signs of the disease.

The disease is believed to have been brought into the UK from visitors to the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in March.

The strain of meningitis is not found in this country but is prevalent in Saudi Arabia.

All 29 British victims had either been on the pilgrimage or had been in contact with people who had travelled to the holy city for the event.

It is not known where the people are from or whether they are children or adults.

More than 20,000 British Muslims are believed to have travelled to Mecca for the annual pilgrimage this year.

Pilgrims are offered a vaccine against the strain but health chiefs say uptake prior to the event this year had been low.

Symptoms of the W135 strain are the same as other forms of meningitis, with people suffering high temperatures, vomiting and dislike of bright lights. People who are concerned should ring the Meningitis Trust on 0845 6000 800.