Hajj Corporation has confirmed that all pilgrims under their care for this year's Hajj pilgrimage completed their required vaccinations prior to departing for Hajj.

This statement comes in the wake of recent reports by some news outlets suggesting that Mohammed Arif (Baka), a former midfielder of the national football team, passed away due to meningococcal disease contracted after performing Hajj.

In a press release issued on Tuesday night, Hajj Corporation stated that all pilgrims under their care received the meningococcal vaccine, as well as polio and influenza vaccines, in accordance with the guidelines set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.

"We would like to emphasize that the safety and well-being of pilgrims is the highest priority for the management of Maldives Hajj Corporation," the statement added.

However, it's worth noting that Arif had traveled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj as part of a group sponsored by the Saudi King, not through the Hajj Corporation. Arif returned to the Maldives three days ago after completing his pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reported a case of invasive meningococcal disease in the Maldives. In a post on X on Tuesday evening, HPA stated that they have begun collecting relevant information, conducting contact tracing, informing contacts, and administering prophylactic medication to those who may have been exposed.

"It is crucial for those who went for Hajj this year and either did not receive the meningitis vaccine for any reason, or for whom 14 days had not passed between vaccination and departure, to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of this disease," HPA advised.

HPA said close contacts are defined as individuals living in the same household as the patient, those who have spent extended periods in close proximity or traveled on the same flight as the patient, and those who may have been exposed to the patient's respiratory secretions.