Bahrain's Health Ministry Allays Concerns Over Marburg Virus

The Bahraini Ministry of Health has allayed concerns over the Marburg virus disease (MVD), saying the virus is unlikely to affect the country as it has no direct flights to Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea. 

Based on the risk assessment carried out by the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (GCDPC), it was found that the chances of the virus reaching the kingdom are low, the ministry said.

 

 

 

 

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The Ebola-like disease has claimed several lives in the two African countries.

In mid-February, Equatorial Guinea declared an outbreak of the MVD. It has nine confirmed cases so far, including seven people who have died, according to the World Health Organization. 

Meanwhile, Tanzania declared an outbreak of the Marburg virus on March 21st, with five deaths out of eight confirmed cases to date.

The MVD symptoms include fever, fatigue, and severe headache, before hemorrhagic symptoms begin within seven days. It can spread in humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people and surfaces.