The official said the number rose during the pilgrimage season, but these did not originate in Saudi Arabia. Approximately two million Muslims converge on Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, the two holiest places in Islam, during the Hajj. There are only approximately 30 to 50 cases of W135 each year in the UK, and while immunisation for the A and C strains of meningitis is an entry requirement for Saudi Arabia, the vaccine does not protect against this type. Chief Medical Officer Professor Liam Donaldson warned doctors that early diagnosis and treatment of the infection was vital. Even a matter of hours can make the difference between complete recovery, disability and even death.
Antibiotics given quickly are the treatment for meningococcal infection.
There is a vaccine that protects against W135, and health officials are racing to secure enough doses to protect family members of those taken ill. However, the Department of Health said that widespread immunisation would not be appropriate, as the risks were now falling fast. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Links to other Health stories are at the foot of the page.