Serogroup W invasive meningococcal disease outbreak in Qatar following travel to Umrah

Abstract

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in all age groups. Globally, reported cases predominantly belong to serogroups A, B, and C. Although serogroup W is less prevalent with regional distribution, it demonstrates shifting epidemiology linked to travel. Recently, multiple sporadic cases of serogroup W invasive disease were reported from Western countries following travel to the Middle East. In this case series, we describe a group of three unlinked cases of IMD within one week. Affected patients aged 8 months, 39 years, and 67 years and were all linked to recent travel to Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with no recent vaccination in the two cases. Despite early management, there were two fatalities. By reporting these cases, we aim to raise awareness to urge public health authorities and policy makers to impose meningococcal vaccine prior to Umrah along with stringent infection control measures.