Bringing Children to Umrah, Make Sure They Are Protected from Meningitis

Children who participate in the Umrah pilgrimage are susceptible to contracting meningitis. Protection through vaccination is necessary.

FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

A child plays amidst worshipers performing Eid al-Fitr prayer at the SMK TU Muhammadiyah Cikampek field, Karawang, West Java, on Friday (21/4/2023).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The number of children participating in the umrah pilgrimage is increasing. This is a good thing, but various preparations also need to be ensured properly. The risk of disease transmission that may occur must be prevented optimally, including the risk of transmission of meningitis.

Pediatric specialist and consultant in childhood neurology at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Dr. Setyo Handryastuti, stated that the risk of meningitis transmission during the Umrah pilgrimage must be anticipated. This risk can occur when in crowds or contact with sources of infection during air travel.

"Now the trend of taking children and babies for umrah is increasing. The risk of meningitis transmission should be a concern because the transmission of meningitis in children can be fatal," he said in a media event held by PT Kalbe Farma in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/5/2024).

Also read: Backpacker Umrah and Hajj, Past and Present

Data submitted by Setyo shows that the number of Umrah pilgrims from Indonesia who are less than two years old is quite large. In 2019, the number of Umrah pilgrims aged under two years was 5,163 children. This number had decreased during the pandemic, but in 2022 there will be 250 children who will become Umrah pilgrims. It is estimated that the number of child congregations will increase again after the pandemic.

Children's Umrah pilgrims from Indonesia.

Setyo stated that children are among the age groups that are very vulnerable if they contract meningococcal meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis disease can rapidly progress from non-specific symptoms to severe conditions that can threaten one's life within just 24 hours.

Meningococcal meningitis is an infectious disease caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. The bacteria can infect the brain membrane and cause inflammation in the meninges.

Currently, the trend of bringing children and infants for Umrah is increasing. The risk of meningitis transmission must be taken into consideration because meningitis transmission in children can be fatal.

The death rate due to this disease is quite high, around 9-12 percent. Meningococcal meningitis can also cause severe residual symptoms in treatable patients. These residual symptoms manifest as neurological dysfunction, impaired hearing, motor abnormalities, kidney disorders, and amputation of body parts.

Also read: Umrah preparation

"Even though the cases are rare, parents must be cautious. Therefore, children who are going to Umrah need to be protected by receiving meningococcal vaccines at least two weeks before departure," he said.

KOMPAS/ILHAM KHOIRI

A member of the Umrah pilgrimage is taking a selfie in front of the Ka'bah at the Masjidil Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Friday (10/6/2022). Almost all Umrah and Hajj pilgrims now bring mobile phones to take pictures of themselves during the tawaf ritual around the Ka'bah.

Setyo added that the meningococcal vaccine can be given to children aged above 9 months. The administration of this vaccine is expected not to disrupt the administration of other vaccines in fulfilling basic immunization. Meanwhile, for babies under the age of nine months who are unable to receive the vaccine, it is recommended that they are not brought for an Umrah pilgrimage first.

In addition, Setyo urged that children brought on an Umrah pilgrimage should be ensured to be in good health. The fulfillment of balanced nutrient intake and optimal attention towards cleanliness and sanitation are necessary. The use of masks can help prevent the risk of other diseases' transmission.

Mature

The Chairman of the Indonesian Hajj Medical Association (PP Perdokhi) Syarief Hasan Lutfie explained that vigilance against the spread of diseases is also necessary for adult prospective umrah pilgrims. In addition to meningitis, other common diseases include acute respiratory infections, exacerbation of chronic pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and sputum retention.

However, among these various diseases, respiratory tract infections are the most commonly found. In fact, this disease is the primary cause of illnesses in patients who are hospitalized during the hajj season in Saudi Arabia.

KOMPAS/BAHANA PATRIA GUPTA

The queue for meningitis vaccination at the International Vaccination Service of the Class I Port Health Office in Sidoarjo Regency, East Java, on Monday (28/11/2022). Since November 11, 2022, the Ministry of Health has declared that meningitis vaccination is no longer a mandatory requirement for prospective pilgrims performing the Umrah.

According to Syarief, protection through vaccination can be an appropriate prevention effort against the risks of various disease transmissions for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. The Saudi Arabian government has also mandated a number of types of vaccines for all travelers who will come to Saudi Arabia, including Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

Also read: Adult Immunization Not Yet Affordable to Middle Class

Meningitis vaccine is a type of vaccine that is mandatory for all travelers from all countries. Meanwhile, polio vaccination and yellow fever vaccination are only required for travelers who come from high-risk areas and areas where cases of the disease have been found.

Syarief added that other types of vaccinations are also recommended to be provided for Umrah pilgrims. These include Covid-19 and influenza vaccinations. Influenza can cause serious illness complications for the elderly group.

The Head of Class I Soekarno-Hatta Port Health Office, Naning Nugrahini, stated that the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases for Umrah pilgrims can be prevented in several ways. Clean and healthy living practices must be carried out during the Umrah journey. For pilgrims with illnesses, make sure to regularly consume medication according to the doctor's instructions.

Officers are administering meningitis vaccines to prospective umrah pilgrims at the International Vaccination Service of the Class I Port Health Office in Sidoarjo Regency, East Java, on Monday (November 28, 2022). Since November 11, 2022, the Ministry of Health has established that meningitis vaccination is no longer a mandatory requirement for prospective umrah pilgrims.

It is also important to always consume a balanced nutritious diet and drink enough water. In addition, vaccination is also necessary to be done at least two weeks before departure according to the needs and recommendations of a doctor, such as meningitis, influenza, typhoid, and pneumonia vaccinations.

"Regarding the obligation of meningitis vaccination, the Indonesian Government is currently discussing with the Saudi Arabian Government to ensure that pilgrims and travelers are truly vaccinated. This will be planned by making vaccination a requirement in visa applications so that supervision can be easier," said Naning.