JEDDAH: Muslims performing Haj should get vaccinated against meningitis before heading to the holy places, said Dr. Khaled Obaid, a family medicine consultant. He strongly advised pilgrims and all people who expect to stay among large groups of people to get the vaccine, which is available in all medical centers and can provide protection for three years. Meningitis is easily transmitted from one person to another and being in large crowds increases the likelihood that people will cross paths with someone who has the disease, Dr. Obaid said. Meningitis, inflammation of protective membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord, is caused by viruses, bacteria and other micro-organisms, he said. It can cause inflammation to occur in any part of the body, including vital organs, and it can prove deadly, he added.
