Marburg virus outbreak: UAE urges travelers from affected countries to quarantine on return – News

MoHAP asks residents to be aware of virus that causes hemorrhagic fever

UAE residents who have traveled to two countries where cases of Marburg virus disease have been reported are advised to self-isolate upon returning to the country.

“Those who have traveled to affected areas should inform medical staff that they have traveled to an area where Marburg virus disease is circulating or have been in contact with an infected person,” Mohap said in a statement.

The UAE recently advised residents not to travel to Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania due to the Marburg virus outbreak. The two countries have so far reported at least 14 deaths from the virus.

MoHAP is urging residents to be aware of the virus that causes hemorrhagic fever. The Ministry of Health has advised the public not to travel to Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea “unless it is absolutely necessary”.

“If travel is unavoidable, necessary precautions should be taken to avoid exposure to the disease, such as avoiding close contact with sick people, touching contaminated surfaces, and avoiding visits to caves and mines,” Mohap added.

Earlier, several Arab countries advised citizens to postpone travel to the two countries.

The ministry stressed that all necessary precautionary measures are being taken in accordance with international health standards to contain the virus within its current geographical range. In a statement, MoHAP said it was closely monitoring the situation in these countries to determine the global severity of the disease.

The ministry said precautionary measures are being taken to ensure public safety and increase health awareness.

The ministry reiterated the importance of washing hands frequently with soap and water. If these are not readily available, people should use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Additionally, individuals should avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with hands and ensure proper hand hygiene.