ছবি: Photo: Collected
Saudi Arabia has announced new health requirements to prevent the spread of infectious and dangerous diseases among travelers performing Umrah or visiting on a visa. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has mandated that all travelers must receive a meningitis vaccine before entering the kingdom, effective February 1.
According to a recent advisory issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health, the meningitis vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel. Pilgrims and visitors are required to carry proof of vaccination while traveling.
The regulation applies to all travelers aged over one year. However, individuals who have received the meningitis vaccine within the past 10 years are exempt from this requirement. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, a delicate layer of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord, typically caused by microorganisms.
There are various types of meningitis, including bacterial, Neisseria meningitis, and viral meningitis. Viral meningitis, for example, can be transmitted through sneezing, coughing, or poor hygiene practices.
In addition to the meningitis vaccine, pilgrims have been urged to take vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, and polio. Special emphasis has been placed on polio vaccinations for Pakistani nationals, who are required to carry polio immunization certificates. Similar requirements have been imposed on transit passengers traveling through Afghanistan, Kenya, Congo, and Mozambique.
These measures aim to safeguard public health and ensure safe pilgrimages for all travelers visiting Saudi Arabia.
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