Threat of Invasive Meningococcal Disease Linked to Travel in State of Kuwait

Background: Meningococcal meningitis is the term used to describe a bacterial form of meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis. This form of meningitis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Two outbreaks recorded to be related to Haj/Umrah pilgrims one in the 1990s, this was followed by the substantial outbreaks in 2000/2001 in which 654 IMD cases related to Hajj and Umrah among pilgrims and others in Saudi Arabia. Aim: This review report on recent data about meningococcal meningitis cases in Kuwait mainly linked to travel specifically to Umrah during high season and to explore the epidemiology of meningococcal disease in State of Kuwait. Method: Data were collected from Kuwait Ministry of Health (Communicable Disease Control Department) and from different Health Regions notification and records, including Meningitis investigating form. Conclusion: Meningococcal disease remains a major public health concern and results in significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Hajj and Umrah are large gatherings with the potential for the transmission and spread of meningococcal disease if proper precautions are not taken.