The Ministry of Health and Community Protection issued a statement about the virus that causes “Marburg” hemorrhagic fever, through which the ministry directed the attention of the honorable public to the need to pay attention to the dangers of this virus, after Arab countries recommended their citizens to postpone travel at the present time to Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea due to the spread of the virus, in The time when all precautionary measures and measures are taken in accordance with international health standards, to contain it in its current geographical scope, noting that the current situation in these countries is being monitored to know the developments of the disease and its seriousness at the global level.
The Ministry confirmed that these measures are precautionary to ensure the preservation of public safety and with the aim of spreading health awareness in the country. The Ministry recommended travelers to postpone travel to countries where the “Marburg” virus is spread except for extreme necessity, and that if the need arises to travel to these countries, the necessary precautions must be taken to avoid exposure to the disease infection, including: avoiding close contact with patients, and touching contaminated surfaces in addition to To avoid visiting caves and mines.
The Ministry urged the need to constantly wash hands with soap and water, and in the event that they are not available, an alcohol-containing hand sanitizer should be used, and avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with the hands, and ensure that the hands are clean before touching the face.
The Ministry recommended that travelers coming from these countries, isolate themselves from others, go to the nearest health facility or emergency departments in hospitals, and disclose to medical staff that they have traveled to an area where the “Marburg” virus is spreading, or have been in contact with people infected with the disease or have symptoms for up to 21 days.
The Ministry directed the need to investigate accuracy and follow the preventive measures issued by the Ministry of Health and Community Protection and the health authorities in the country, and not to circulate rumors or any information that was not issued by the official concerned authorities, stressing the efficiency of the epidemiological surveillance system in the country and the integrated coordination between the Ministry of Health and Community Protection and health authorities.
“Marburg” virus disease is known as a rare, but severe, life-threatening hemorrhagic fever that affects human health. The disease is caused by the “Marburg” virus, which is an animal-origin RNA virus that is transmitted by animals to humans in a closed environment such as mines or caves inhabited by bats. .
Symptoms are sudden and include fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. Chest pain and sore throat may also occur. Symptoms become increasingly severe and can include jaundice, severe weight loss, and other symptoms.