All pilgrims under our care were vaccinated: Hajj Corporation

Maldives Hajj Corporation, the agency in charge of sending Maldivian pilgrims to Hajj this season stated last night that all pilgrims under their care had completed all required vaccinations.

This statement came following the passing of local football legend and former midfielder of the Maldivian national team Mohamed Arif (Baka)'s last evening due to what reports have describes as high fever and flu like symptoms three days after his return from Hajj pilgrimage.

However, Arif had been among the delegation who travelled to Hajj under the invitation of the Saudi King.

Although authorities have not confirmed the cause of his illness, local reports suggest that the footballer had tested positive for the contagious Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) in Maldives. Health Protecting Agency (HPA) has taken swift action to counter the spread of the disease following its appearance and efforts are currently underway to employ the necessary precautions.

The statement released by Hajj Corporation last night ascertained that the meningitis, polio and influenza vaccines were all administered to the pilgrims in accordance with the Saudi guidelines to protect against the meningococcal disease which can be deadly without immediate treatment.

"During this opportunity, we assure that the safety and protection of Hajj pilgrims is the first and foremost priority of the Maldives Hajj Corporation's management," the statement read.

Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis and the two most common types of meningococcal infections are meningitis and bloodstream infections. Both these infections are serious and can be deadly in a matter of hours.

Meningococcal bacteria are spread to others through respiratory secretions (saliva or spit). Anyone who was in close or lengthy contact with a patient can be considered as a "close contact". Those who are deemed as "close contacts" have a higher chance of being infected.

Symptoms of the disease typically appear 1-10 days after being infected in the form of a flu-like illness and rapidly worsen.

Symptoms

- Fever (most common symptom)

- Stiff neck (most common symptom)

- Headache (most common symptom)

- Nausea and Vomiting

- Confusion

- Red spots or rashes on body

- Seizures

- Sensitive to light

- Weakness

- Fast breathing

Vaccination prevents getting infected with IMD and typically requires about two weeks (14 days) to build up immunity to the disease from the day of getting vaccinated. As such, pilgrims travelling for Hajj or Umrah are advised to administer the vaccine at least two weeks before their departure.

HPA confirms case of invasive meningococcal disease in Maldives

The Edition