Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Travelers from Marburg-hit countries to isolate in UAE

UAE residents and citizens traveling from countries affected by the Marburg virus have been advised to isolate themselves upon returning to the UAE. This came as the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) urged the public to avoid travelling to Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea unless necessary. Several Arab countries have also advised their residents to postpone traveling to these two countries due to the rise in Marburg virus cases there. In a statement on Tuesday (April 4), MoHAP said the situation in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea is being closely monitored to determine the global severity of the disease. According to MoHAP, UAE residents coming from these virus-hit countries should isolate themselves when they return to the UAE and also seek medical attention at the nearest hospital or health facility. They must also inform medical staff if they have been in contact with infected individuals or have shown symptoms of the virus within 21 days. Marburg disease is a rare but life-threatening hemorrhagic fever caused by a virus that is transmitted from animals to humans in a closed environment, such as mines or caves. Symptoms of Marburg virus develop suddenly and include fever, chills, headache, myalgia, chest pain, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, symptoms become increasingly severe and may include jaundice, severe weight loss, and other serious health complications. According to MoHAP, travelers should take extra caution to avoid exposure to the disease, which includes refraining from visiting caves and mines inhabited by bats, and by not touching contaminated surfaces. The authority also urged people to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. ICA/Expat Media
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