New health regulations for Umrah pilgrims

The Saudi government has announced new health regulations for people travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah in Makkah or visiting the Prophet's Mosque in Madina, according to Gulf News.

All travellers -- adults and children aged one year or older -- are required to receive the quadrivalent Neisseria meningitidis vaccine (ACYW-135), said the report published on January 15.

The vaccine has to be administered 10 days before the arrival in Saudi Arabia and the vaccination certificate must also be obtained, according to a notice published by the Saudi health ministry recently.

The new rules are based on instructions issued by Saudi authorities. This regulation will come into effect from February 1, reports Gulf News.

Meningitis is inflammation of the tissue layers around the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by infections. It can be bacterial, viral, or other types. Viral meningitis, for example, spreads through sneezing, coughing, or poor hygiene.